Ministerial Statement – Minister Pam Parsons Recognizes November 25 as the Launch of the Purple Ribbon Campaign and the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence

November 18, 2024

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize November 25 as the launch of the Purple Ribbon Campaign and the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence.

This year’s theme, Come Together, Act Now, emphasizes the role for everyone, including men and boys, in changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence.

The campaign also invites us to use our voices and actions to help create a safer, more equitable Newfoundland and Labrador, free from violence, discrimination, and fear.

Last December we announced a bilateral agreement with the Federal Government that is seeing an investment of nearly $13.6 million over four years to support provincially tailored National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence initiatives.

Our government’s violence prevention efforts are grounded in multi-departmental and community partnerships focused on finding long-term solutions to gender-based violence.

We have formed the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council, where we are making positive strides to prevent violence, while creating a path forward toward justice, healing, and reconciliation.

We are also committed to establishing a ministerial-level committee to end gender-based violence. This work is in the very early stages, and we look forward to working with our community partners.

I invite all members of this House to join me at the Confederation Building on November 25 where we will honour the many women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives due to gender-based violence.

Thank you, Speaker.

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