Mr. Speaker, more than one in three women experiences gender-based violence during their lifetime. As a father blessed with three beautiful daughters, this is a terrifying statistic and a reality that is not acceptable. No one should face violence because of who they are.
Today marks the fifth day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, which began on November 25. Violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent human rights violation in the world. This is not a challenge we can overcome in 16 days.
We have proof that violence against women and girls is preventable. The single biggest action we can take is to support a strong and autonomous women's movement, here in Canada and abroad. It is up to all of us to be better and to do better.
I call on all members of the House and everyone living in Canada to step up and take action to end violence against women and girls.