16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—a global campaign to raise awareness and inspire action. For Inuit women, this issue is even more pressing due to the unique challenges we face, including limited access to services, infrastructure, and the isolation of our communities, all of which contribute to increased vulnerability and dependency on external support.

Over the next 16 days, we will share a post each day, highlighting four key aspects of gender-based violence that disproportionately affect Inuit women: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Access to Safe Housing, and Forced Evacuations for Health. Each post will take you through our knowledge mobilization cycle:

  • Fact (Issue): We start by gathering data and raising awareness about the specific challenges Inuit women face, ensuring our voices are heard.
  • Policy: Based on this knowledge, we develop policy recommendations, advocating for systemic change to address these issues.
  • Advocacy: We engage with decision-makers to push for action, ensuring our policy recommendations are heard and acted upon.
  • Projects: Finally, we implement practical solutions that turn policy into real-world impact for Inuit communities.

Missing and Murdered Inuit Women and Girls (MMIWG)

Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse individuals are faced with an ongoing genocide, but data on Inuit experiences of MMIWG remains scarce. Pauktuutit is committed to addressing this gap, as highlighted by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Through ongoing research, we are mapping the systemic roots of this violence and pushing for inclusive, actionable solutions. Our advocacy includes calling for the release of key data—such as from the RCMP—to better understand the full scope of the crisis. We continue to demand that governments fully implement all 231 Calls for Justice; only 2 have been implemented to date.

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence remains a critical issue in Inuit Nunangat, where rates of violent crime against women far exceed the national average. Yet access to services such as shelters and police protection is severely limited. Pauktuutit’s research into policing practices reveals a culture of misconduct, highlighting the need for systemic reform. We are committed to holding law enforcement accountable and ensuring that Inuit women receive the support we need to live free from violence. Our advocacy against gender-based violence affecting Inuit women and gender-diverse individuals is deeply rooted in addressing the intergenerational impacts and the ongoing colonial systems and structures that persist to this day.

Access to Safe Housing and Shelters

Safe, suitable, and affordable housing is a basic human right—yet it remains out of reach for many Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. In Inuit Nunangat, over 60% of communities lack safe shelters for women and children fleeing family violence. Pauktuutit has been actively advocating for the federal government to provide more safe, affordable housing and transitional spaces to ensure Inuit women are not forced to choose between staying in unsafe environments or leaving their communities and culture. We’ve seen progress, including a $20 million commitment to construct shelters, but this is not a long-term solution. We continue to push for timely completion of these critical projects to meet the urgent needs of our communities.

Evacuations for Health

Communities in Inuit Nunangat are denied the infrastructure for adequate medical treatment, leaving Inuit women with no choice but to travel south. These journeys can expose them to systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. Over half of Inuit in Inuit Nunangat report not having regular access to healthcare, forcing them to seek services far from home. Pauktuutit is addressing these issues by advocating for equitable healthcare access and supporting the revitalization of Inuit-led midwifery services, enabling women to give birth in their communities, surrounded by their culture, families, and land.

Intersections of These Issues

These issues do not exist in isolation—they are interconnected and rooted in ongoing colonial violence and discrimination. Gender-based violence, lack of access to healthcare and safe housing, and the systemic marginalization of Inuit women are all part of a larger pattern of deprivation and displacement. At Pauktuutit, we are working to break these cycles of violence and ensure that every Inuk woman, girl, and gender-diverse person can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination.

Join us for the next 16 days as we share stories, data, and actions, all aimed at advancing the safety, well-being, and self-determination of Inuit women. Together, we can build a future where Inuit women thrive in safety, supported by policies and structures that reflect our needs and uphold our rights. Follow us on social media for more information: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn