This week marks Consent Awareness Week. As students are back at post-secondary institutions in Lethbridge, the Special Days Act aims to spotlight the persistent issue of sexual and gender-based violence that continues to affect communities across the province.
Alberta Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney says the week is designed to raise awareness and understanding about respectful and consensual interactions and create an environment and culture where everyone’s boundaries are respected.
“It’s our priority to ensure everyone feels safe on Alberta’s campuses,” Sawhney adds. “We will continue to work alongside students and educational institutions to strengthen sexual violence prevention strategies on our campuses.”
Consent for any sexual activity is an ongoing conversation between partners, notes Alberta Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir. “It’s respect for a person’s well-being and cannot be assumed.”
“To help support a culture of consent within the province, Alberta’s government is working to create a 10-year action plan to end gender-based violence. This made in Alberta action plan is being created alongside survivors and community leaders to ensure the action plan is survivor centric,” adds Fir.
According to Fir, communication about the importance of consent and respect for others goes a long way in preventing sexual violence. “By working together and by individuals standing up for what is right, we can create a safer future for all Albertans.”
