Take Back the Night (TBTN) is a global movement that shines a light on the pervasive issue of violence against women. Since the 1970s, this annual event has aimed to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence. The importance of TBTN cannot be overstated: one in three Canadian women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime and one in four women in Canada have faced inappropriate sexual behaviors in the workplace. Violence knows no boundaries and affects individuals from every walk of life. 

Why we march

The event began as a protest against the threats to safety in public spaces, particularly for those walking the streets at night. Today, it has evolved into a decades-long tradition that honors survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and harassment. The event serves as a powerful reminder that these issues are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader, systemic problem. 

The event is “dedicated to raising individual and community awareness about gender-based violence,” according to organizers. “TBTN is held internationally because violence against women, girls, trans women, gender non-binary, and 2-spirited people is experienced worldwide.”  According to Statistics Canada “While violence affects people of all genders, ages, religions, cultures, ethnicities, geographic locations, and socio-economic backgrounds, populations more at risk of GBV include women, young women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+, women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities, and women living with disabilities.” Racialized, Black and Indigenous women often experience disproportionate levels of violence because sexism and patriarchy intersect with racism and colonialism. 

The role of unions 

Unions play a crucial role in advocating for safer workplaces and supporting victims of violence. TBTN provides an opportunity to raise awareness within our union and workplaces to ensure that these critical issues are part of our health and safety work. Addressing violence, whether it's sexual harassment, assault, or other forms of gender-based violence is not only a matter of personal safety but also a workplace issue that impacts the well-being of all our members. 

Unions are uniquely positioned to advocate for change both in the workplace and beyond. By incorporating gender-based violence into our health and safety agendas, we ensure that these issues are recognized as occupational hazards that need to be addressed. We can also push for stronger language in our collective agreements, policies and programs to create safer environments for everyone, including robust reporting mechanisms and support for victims. 

Submit proposals for next round of bargaining 

Addressing gender-based violence requires action. Collective bargaining plays a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety and support. Through negotiations, unions can secure vital workplace policies and hold employers accountable. By including strong language on gender-based violence in collective agreements, unions send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated, potentially making members feel safer in disclosing their experiences and seeking help. While Article 20 on sexual harassment and Article 54 on domestic violence leave provide some support through our collective agreement, they do not go far enough. As PSAC prepares for the next round of bargaining for the Program and Administrative Services (PA) group, this is your chance to submit proposals for our next collective agreement. The deadline is November 15, 2024. 

Get involved 

TBTN marches generally occur on the third Thursday of September, though dates may vary depending on the organizers and the community. These marches are more than just symbolic – they are a call to action for all of us to stand in solidarity against violence. Statistics show that less than 50 per cent of victims report these crimes. These numbers highlight the need for collective action.  

By marching together and occupying public spaces, we send a clear message: relational violence and systemic injustice require a shared response. CEIU encourages all members to participate in a Take Back the Night event in their community, advocate for safer workplaces and ensure that gender-based violence is a priority on our health and safety agendas. Together, we can reclaim the night and make our workplaces and communities safer for everyone. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of gender-based violence, you can reach out for help here: 

TOLL-FREE                1.866.863.0511 

TOLL-FREE TTY       1.866.863.7868 

#SAFE (#7233)          On your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile phone 

Or go here for more specific resources for your situation.  

Provide gender-based input on the upcoming round of bargaining.

In Sisterhood and Solidarity, 

Dans la fraternité et la solidarité, 

Lynda MacLellan 

CEIU National Vice President for Women, West 

VPN SEIC à la condition féminine – Région de l’Ouest