Advocate

Now that you have learned about the Canada's role in the worst place in the world to be a woman or girl, the NO MORE RAPE campaign calls on you to take action. Don't turn away, don't back down, and don't think you cannot make a difference in the lives of the women and girls in the DRC. There are two simple things you can do. 1. Write your Member of Parliament. Not only is postage free when you do this, but your voice is considered to count for the opinions of hundreds. See below for an effective template - it will take you no more than 10 minutes to write a letter. 2. Support Bill C-300, an Act Respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas Corporations in Developing Countries. This will ensure that Canadian extractive companies follow human rights and environmental best practices when they operate overseas and the accountability of our government to us, as taxpayers and citizens, by assuring that government financial and political support will not be provided to companies that breach human rights and environmental standards. Basically, this bill will prevent your taxdollars from in any way supporiting armed groups in the DRC that use rape as a weapon to secure their access to mineral resources. Below is a petition, print one copy and get 25 friends sign it [you DON't have to be 18 years of age or older]. Then follow the included directions for getting your Member of Parliament to present it before the House of Commons - this will take no more than 30 minutes. You can also get in on the discussion by contributing to our interactive map.

Click here to see our letter template and writing tips

Access the petition here [with directions for getting it presented and a list of which parliamentarians voted against it] to ensure Bill C-300 passes

Go to this site to use your postal code to find the mailing address for your Member of Parliament

In September 2009, the Africa Canada Accountability Coalition became a member of Peace Girl, a collective of academics, researchers, artists and supporters that work with young women affected by war in various capacities and that want to stay connected to them and each other. Peace Girl fundraises to support grass-roots women and their children - providing educational support, income generation and small business loans. Currently, Peace Girl is developing a new initiative to support women in the Kivu provinces in the DRC. Just click on the links below for more information and to donate.

Peace Girl's Website

Liu Institute for Global Issues University of British Columbia 6476 NW Marine Drive Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2

NO MORE RAPE campaign: Research-based advocacy by The Africa Canada Accountability Coalition's Gender Security Project