OTTAWA, Nov. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by calling on all Canadians to work together to end all forms of violence against women and girls. The Minister also took the occasion of the 100^th Grey Cup game in Toronto to salute several members of the Canadian Football League for their efforts to end gender-based violence.

"The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us of the women and girls - in Canada and throughout the world - for whom violence and the threat of violence are a daily reality," said Minister Ambrose. "That is why I am proud to salute the outstanding efforts of CFL football clubs who are partnering with community organizations and governments to address gender-based violence."

The Minister highlighted several projects that show the great example of leadership from sports. These projects recognize that violence against women is not just a women's issue.

• The 'Be More Than a Bystander' project brings the B.C. Lions Football Club together with Ending Violence Association of British Columbia (EVA BC), governments and the private sector. The project is focused on educating bystanders, specifically youth, about what they can do to take a stand to prevent and stop violence against women and girls. The project targets both genders, however a particular emphasis is the engagement of men and boys, including football coaches and their teams across British Columbia.
  
  
• The Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club is also asking citizens to 'Be more than a bystander. Break the silence on violence against women' to address gender-based violence. The team is working with the Manitoba government to help stop violence against women through a public awareness campaign launched on November 5, 2012.
  
  
• The Toronto Argonauts Football Club have a youth oriented bullying prevention program for both elementary and secondary school levels. Its'Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program' works with the support of corporate and community partners to inspire and empower boys and girls to take action towards bullying prevention in their schools. This program includes a component that focuses on bullying related issues specific to girls and young women.

"Gender-based violence affects us all. It ruins lives, destroys families, and takes a heavy toll on our economy." said Minister Ambrose. "Our Government recognizes the need for Canadians to come together and take action that reduces and prevents violence against women and girls in all its forms, wherever it occurs," said Minister Ambrose.

November 25 was designated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in commemoration of the Mirabal sisters - Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa - who died in an act of gender-based violence in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Worldwide it also marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, which encompass Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6 and concludes with International Human Rights Day on December 10.

SOURCE Status of Women Canada