The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
While meaningful progress has been made, the reality for many women and girls remains far from safe or equal. Violence, whether physical, economic, emotional, or online, continues to shape women’s daily lives, limiting opportunities, silencing voices, and undermining dignity.
“Standing against gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue, it is a human issue. As allies, we have a responsibility to listen, to believe, and to act. Together, we can build workplaces and communities where every woman and girl is safe, respected, and empowered”, shares UFCW Local 401 President, Thomas Hesse.
“Women deserve to live and work free from fear. The 16 Days of Activism reminds us that change doesn’t happen by accident, it happens because people come together, take action, and refuse to accept violence or inequality as normal”, adds UFCW Local 401 Secretary Treasurer, Richelle Stewart.
As part of this campaign, we are sharing the UFCW Local 401 campaign poster.
The UFCW Local 401 Women’s Committee wants you to take part and help us spread the message by:
- Displaying the poster in your workplace or community
- Taking a photo, individually or as a group, while holding the poster
- Sending your photos to: womens.committee@ufcw401.ab.ca
- Sharing your support on social media using: #16DaysOfActivism #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #StopCyberbullying #UFCW401 #GoUnion
Your participation helps raise visibility, spark conversations, and strengthen our collective voice in the fight against gender-based violence.
Thank you for helping create safer, more equitable spaces for all women and girls. We look forward to seeing your photos and standing together in solidarity throughout these 16 days.
If this campaign inspires you and would like to take a more active role in women’s advocacy within our union, we warmly encourage you to get involved. To join the Women’s Committee or learn more about our work, please reach out anytime at womens.committee@ufcw401.ab.ca.
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Shirley Chisholm
Posted on: November 25,2025