#ActTogether Campaign Addresses Gender-Based Violence in the Second Wave of the Pandemic
The Body Shop partners with the Canadian Women’s Foundation to inspire digital activism at a time of heightened risk for women, girls, and Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people
Toronto, ON — November 18, 2020. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic brings another wave of higher risks of intimate partner violence for those confined with abusers and less able to seek outside help. With the launch of the International 16 Days of Activism on Gender-Based Violence, the Canadian Women’s Foundation and The Body Shop Canada are teaming up to #ActTogether, a national campaign that encourages people to take digital action to end gender-based violence and support survivors.
The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign that takes place every year between November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and December 10, International Human Rights Day. It also includes December 6, Canada’s Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, which marks the 1989 Montreal Massacre.
Through the #ActTogether Campaign, people in Canada are encouraged to take specific digital actions on each of the 16 Days of Activism. These include online meet-ups, social media sharing, and web-based petitions.
“Gender-based violence in Canada is a longstanding problem,” says Paulette Senior, President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. “It was at a high rate before the pandemic, especially for marginalized women. In 2020, there are red flags that it is on the rise, and that those who are victimized are having a harder time reaching out for help. Even though we can’t be together in person, this campaign is a strong reminder that we can still act together to make a difference.”
Before the pandemic, a woman was killed every six days by her intimate partner in Canada. Domestic disturbance police calls increased in Canada between March and June, and women’s service providers have reported spikes in demand.
“The scale of gender-based violence in Canada is shocking,” says Hilary Lloyd, VP of Marketing and Corporate Responsibility at The Body Shop North America. “We can’t let it get worse. That’s why we’re donating $50,000 to the Out of Violence programs that focus on prevention and intervention, as well as, co-creating and amplifying the 16 Day #ActTogether actions with the Canadian Women’s Foundation. When we act together on a national scale, every small, individual action has great power.”
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FOR INTERVIEWS WITH THE CANADIAN WOMEN’S FOUNDATION OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kate Hawkins, Manager of PR and Online Engagement, Canadian Women’s Foundation
media@canadianwomen.org, 416-365-1444 ext. 258
ABOUT THE CANADIAN WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
The Canadian Women’s Foundation is a national leader in the movement for gender equality in Canada. Through funding, research, advocacy, and knowledge sharing, the Foundation works to achieve systemic change that includes all women. By supporting community programs, the Foundation empowers women and girls to move themselves out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence and leadership.
Launched in 1991 to address a critical need for philanthropy focused on women, the Canadian Women’s Foundation is one of the largest women’s foundations in the world. With the support of donors, the Foundation has raised more than $100 million and funded over 1,900 programs across the country. These programs focus on addressing the root causes of the most critical issues, and helping women and girls who face the greatest barriers.
The Canadian Women’s Foundation aims to be inclusive of diverse people across gender and sexuality spectrums. We focus our efforts on supporting those who face the most barriers and have least access to relevant services. This includes people who identify as women, girls, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQI+.
Editor’s Note: When referring to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, please use the full name. Please do not abbreviate or use acronyms.
FOR INTERVIEWS WITH THE BODY SHOP OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Anne Klinger, PR Director at MacIntyre Communications
anne@macintyrecommunications.com
ABOUT THE BODY SHOP INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is a global beauty brand and a certified B Corp. The Body Shop seeks to make a positive difference in the world by offering high-quality, naturally-inspired skincare, body care, hair care and make-up produced ethically and sustainably. Having pioneered the philosophy that business can be a force for good, this ethos is still the brand’s driving force. The Body Shop operates about 3,000 retail locations in more than 70 countries. Along with Aesop, Avon and Natura, The Body Shop is part of Natura &Co, a global, multi-channel and multi-brand cosmetics group that is committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. The four companies that form the group are committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact.
