Students unite to end sexual violence on campus

OTTAWA, Jan. 30, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Students is hosting a National Forum to End Sexual Violence on Campus from March 19 to 20, 2015. The Forum will be an opportunity for student activists to gather, share stories of success and struggle, and, ultimately, develop a common vision to combat sexual violence and rape culture on campuses across Canada.

"It is students, united through the Canadian Federation of Students, who have been at the forefront of the fight to end sexual violence on campuses for the past 20 years," said Jessica McCormick, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "This forum will be an opportunity to learn from each others' victories and develop strategies to ensure our campuses are free from all forms of sexism and misogyny."

The forum will bring together students and accomplished activists from across the country who are doing work to challenge rape culture, misogyny, and gendered violence. The Canadian Federation of Students has provided nationwide spaces for organising against rape culture and sexual violence through the National Women's Constituency, the No Means No campaign and campaigns to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women for more than 20 years.

From coast to coast, students have been working tirelessly to end sexism, misogyny, and gendered violence. The efforts of the Canadian Federation of Students and students' unions have garnered the attention of national media, university and college administrators, and politicians from all political parties. Earlier this month, , Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne co-hosted a roundtable with the Canadian Federation of Students to discuss solutions for ending gender-based violence with student activists.

"Over the past two years, student activists have been successful in keeping the issue of rape culture on campus in the public eye and pressuring colleges and universities to take real action on sexual violence," said McCormick. "There is still a lot to do to make sure that our campuses are safe and supportive spaces for all students."

The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest student organisation, uniting more than one-half million students in all ten provinces. The Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.

SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students

For further information: Sarah McCue, [phone], [e-mail]