On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, over 300 senior elementary school students took part in workshops about gender-based violence prevention. The goal of the workshops was to encourage youth to reflect on their own attitudes, challenge social norms about violence, and bring electronic violence to light. The workshops took place at Bishop E.Q. Jennings and McKellar Park Central schools.
“It is important for youth to learn early in life that healthy and strong relationships based on mutual respect and shared decision making are free of violence or the threat of violence,” says Jayal Chung, coordinator of Gender Issues Centre (GIC) at Lakehead University’s Student Union.
“In all relationships communication is key, but now with the increased use of technology, emerging forms of violence such as electronic violence brings new challenges to youth.”
The youth violence prevention workshops are a collaborative effort between the GIC, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Catholic Family Development Centre, Faye Peterson House, Elevate NWO, Lakehead Public Schools and Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.
For more information on the 16 days of activism against gender violence in Canada and to learn more about local events happening in our community visit gic.lusu.ca/16daystbay/
