Key Dates
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
(International)
November 25, the International Day to End Violence Against Women, was declared by women in Latin America and the Caribbean in 1981. The day commemorates the death of the Mirabel sisters who were brutally murdered in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Sixteen days have been set aside for "activism against gender violence".
World AIDS Day
Monday, December 01, 2008
(International)
Sponsored by the World Health Organization, this day was originated in 1988 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS issues around the world.
(Lead department: Health Canada)
International Day of Disabled Persons
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
(International)
First declared in 1992, this day reminds people of the special concerns, rights and needs of disabled persons. December 3 is also the anniversary of the adoption of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons in 1982.
More information on United Nations Association Canada site.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day coincides with the sad anniversary of the death of fourteen young women who were tragically killed on December 6, 1989 at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal because of their gender.
See our December 6 page for more information.
Human Rights Day
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
(International)
Celebrates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed in 1948. An opportunity to reinforce Canada's commitment to women's rights as human rights.
(Lead department: Canadian Heritage)
International Women's Day
Sunday, March 08, 2009
This day was first marked in 1911 by many countries to protest women's working conditions. In 1977, the United Nations invited all member states to designate a day as International Women's Day. Women across the province mark this day with events to celebrate women’s accomplishments. This year's theme from Status of Women Canada for International Women's Day is:
Ending Violence Against Women: Action for Real Results.
Click on the image above to view the IWD 2007 page of events.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Proclaimed by the UN in 1966, this day is the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville shootings in South Africa where peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were killed. Since 1989, there has been a national public education campaign in Canada to raise awareness among Canadians of the existence of racism.
(Lead department: Canadian Heritage)
Equality Day
Friday, April 17, 2009
(Canada)
Marks the date when one of the equality provisions (Section 15) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms came into force.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Monday, June 15, 2009
Canada has been recognized internationally as a leader in raising public awareness of abuse of older adults and in developing innovative and respectful approaches to dealing with the issue.
Canada’s Federal/Provincial/Territorial (F/P/T) Working Group on Safety & Security for Seniors has produced public information materials (e.g. poster, fact sheets, and promotional items) in support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Canadian Network for the Prevention of
Elder Abuse, as well as provincial, regional and local networks are holding many special activities in recognition of the day.
Many Canadians are using June 15th as an opportunity to recognize local and regional efforts that are being made to raise awareness of abuse of older adults.
National Aboriginal Day
Sunday, June 21, 2009
(Canada)
Established in 1996, this day provides an opportunity to learn more about the Aboriginal cultural heritages of Canada.
(Lead Department: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)
Women's History Month
October 1 - 31, 2009
Women's History Month (WHM) was created in 1992 to encourage greater awareness among Canadians of the historical contributions of women to our society, and to recognize the achievements of women as a vital part of our Canadian heritage. The goal of WHM is to write women back into Canadian history and to develop a better understanding of the diverse roles women play in contemporary society.
See Status of Women Canada site for more information.
See also the National Library of Canada's
Celebrating Women's Achievements pages for inspiring stories of women's contribution to Canada's history.
Person's Day
Sunday, October 18, 2009
On October 18, 1929, the British Privy Council decided that women were "persons" under Canadian law, and therefore eligible for appointment to the Senate. This decision was rendered after a lengthy legal and political struggle, known as the "Persons Case." Each year, the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are presented on or around this date.
December 10, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
(International)
November 25, the International Day to End Violence Against Women, was declared by women in Latin America and the Caribbean in 1981. The day commemorates the death of the Mirabel sisters who were brutally murdered in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Sixteen days have been set aside for "activism against gender violence".