Advocacy in Action
Taking a Closer Look at the Issues That Matter
Explore the initiatives, campaigns, and issues highlighted on our Advocacy page. Here, you’ll find more about the work we support, the actions we take, and the issues that inspire us to make a difference.
Standing Together Against Gender-Based Violence
Light the Night Purple
Shining a Light on Gender-Based Violence
In 2024, CFUW Aurora/Newmarket launched the Light the Night Purple campaign, working with The Regional Municipality of York and local municipalities to recognize November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The initiative encouraged municipal buildings and landmarks to be illuminated in purple, the recognized colour in Canada symbolizing awareness, hope, and a commitment to ending gender-based violence.
The campaign was initiated by CFUW Aurora/Newmarket through formal requests to municipalities, beginning with a letter from Club President Kathy Wosnick inviting municipal partners to participate annually in this important awareness initiative. Building on the strong relationships established through our advocacy work, municipalities embraced the campaign as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Now in its second successful year, the campaign has seen municipal buildings across Aurora, Newmarket, Georgina, and Whitchurch-Stouffville illuminated in purple each November 25, demonstrating a united regional commitment to raising awareness of gender-based and intimate partner violence and supporting survivors.
CFUW Aurora/Newmarket members, Aurora 2025
Bridge illumination, Newmarket 2025
Aurora • Newmarket • Georgina •
Whitchurch-Stouffville
Through Light the Night Purple, CUW Aurora/Newmarket continues to champion advocacy, foster community partnerships, and inspire meaningful action to help create safer, more equitable communities for everyone.
Raising the Flag Against Gender-Based Violence
A Community United to End the Silence
On November 25th, the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, CFUW Aurora/Newmarket joined the York Region municipalities of Aurora, Newmarket, and Georgina, along with York Region, in supporting the lighting of civic buildings purple to raise awareness of gender-based violence.
Community partners and CFUW members gather for the November 25 flag raising.
In partnership with CFUW Aurora/Newmarket and CFUW Markham-Unionville, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville kicked off the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a dedicated flag-raising ceremony on November 25. This initiative builds on a collaborative partnership with CFUW Markham-Unionville that began two years ago. Mayor Iain Lovatt was joined by York Region Police, Stouffville Fire and Emergency Services, town staff, and members of CFUW Markham-Unionville and Aurora-Newmarket to show unified community support.
2024
2025
The colour purple was chosen to symbolize action for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. CFUW members in attendance wore purple scarves, gloves, and attire to bring urgent awareness to gender-based violence in Canada as the Town raised the “Stop Violence, End the Silence” flag.
Ending violence against women requires collective involvement across all levels of society. York Region officially acknowledged intimate partner violence as an epidemic in September 2023.