Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This international day was designated by the UN General Assembly in 1999 to raise awareness of the violence faced by women all around the world.
The date also marks the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that end on International Human Rights Day on December 10.
Violence against women is a violation of human rights. It is a reality that we must address each and every single day.
Gender-based violence grows out of a culture that devalues women and femininity through sexist jokes, derogatory language, and media messages that objectify women. It affects all of us by destroying families, weakening the fabric of our society, and hurting our communities and the economy.
Gender-based violence exists because sexism and misogyny continue to be prevalent in our society—