We told you this was a big deal.
And now the UN Women National Committee Canada has teamed up with The X Project to bring HeForShe, a global campaign for gender equality, to Canada.
And if you live in Toronto, you can be a part of it first-hand.
The official campaign launch event will take place on Wednesday, November 5th at 6:00pm at The Spoke Club, in the second-floor Portland Room.
Hosted by The X Project, a community of young professional women whose goal is to empower women, the event will begin with opening remarks from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. What will follow promises to be a lively panel discussion that features advocates for gender equality, including President of UN Women National Committee Canada Almas Jiwani. There will also be an opportunity for questions, cocktails, and networking following the panel.
So, what can you expect? In addition to ample networking opportunities, a firm call to action to the gentleman of the world.
That’s right, men, we’re talking to you. ‘Cause the ladies are already listening. Not to mention tweeting.
Sadly, gender inequality continues to affect millions of women, men, girls, and boys around the world (yes, still) in profoundly negative ways. You may have heard about HeforShe by now, especially after UN Women’s Global Ambassador Emma Watson’s extremely powerful video supporting the cause went viral. The solidarity movement for gender equality brings together one half of humanity (guys, we’re looking at you) in support of the other half of humanity, for the benefit of all.
“Access to financial capital, economic freedom, economic education – these are only a few ways in which women can be given an equal opportunity to participate in local, national, and international economies, but it takes a serious societal shift to realize these rights for all women and girls,” says Almas Jiwani.
“The HeForShe campaign recognizes this key role of men and boys in this endeavour, especially as there has never before been a campaign to call specifically upon men and boys in fighting for gender equality. UNWNCC encourages men around the world to take action and speak up for the actualization of a world of equality, justice, and fairness for all people. It takes only one voice for change to happen. I hope you will speak out,” she continues.
The overall goal of the campaign is to spread awareness and spark action when it comes to the responsibility men and boys have in eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and violence against women and girls.
Unfortunately, that’s no small task.
The movement is, however, quickly gaining traction around the globe. At the time of publishing this article, 118,882 men around the world had committed to take a stand for gender equality, with 12,260 of those in Canada.
What are you waiting for, gents?
Join the movement for yourself and help spread the word; hit “I Agree” and share here. For a little extra love, a campaign action kit, featuring information on implementing your campaign, can be downloaded here.
Tickets for Wednesday’s event are available now here.
#HeforShe. Forever.
#NOTABLE
Cover image by: Monusco/Sylvain Liechti
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