NDP Endorses We Can

For Immediate Release
Dec. 10, 2009

NEW DEMOCRAT CAUCUS ENDORSES ‘WE CAN END ALL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN’ CAMPAIGN

VICTORIA – The New Democrat caucus has endorsed the We Can B.C. campaign, lending support to a growing global movement that aims to challenge and change attitudes about violence against women.

“Violence against women is a violation of fundamental human rights, so events being held today for International Human Rights Day are a perfect place to make sure this issue is up front. If there is any hope of achieving gender equality and protecting the rights of women, we must each take a stand and be vocal about stopping violence against women,” said Michelle Mungall, chair of the New Democrat women’s caucus and MLA for Nelson-Creston.

“I signed on as a ‘Change Maker’ and I urge others to do the same. Women and men across British Columbia can make a difference. It is as simple as each of us taking a pledge to neither commit nor tolerate any form of violence against women, and to publicly share that commitment and ask others to make it too,” said Mungall.

‘We Can End All Violence Against Women’ is a growing international movement that has been active in British Columbia since 2007. The coalition of organizations that make up We Can are working to challenge and change attitudes and beliefs that support and perpetuate violence by educating and informing people about gender equality and violence against women, and by asking people to publicly take a stand against violence against women.

“Carole James and all New Democrat MLAs condemn violence against women and stand with We Can in their efforts,” said Mungall.

The New Democrat women’s caucus is comprised of the 12 women elected as MLAs for the Official Opposition. They look at legislation, policies and actions that can improve women’s equality in B.C., and bring attention to issues that impact women and girls.

The We Can campaign website can be found at www.wecanbc.ca.

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