Home » Events » Rose Campaign

The Rose Campaign

Gender-based violence is a problem that can be solved.

The Rose Campaign is a national advocacy campaign to end violence against women, girls and gender minorities.

The Rose Campaign is YWCA Edmonton’s primary fundraising campaign, vital for supporting our work to end gender-based violence. This task isn’t simple, but it’s crucial. Gender-based violence takes a toll, causing both physical and emotional suffering for survivors, while imposing substantial economic and societal costs. Together, we must address the systemic gender inequality that fuels this violence.

Join us in this pivotal journey. Together, we can change the narrative, break down barriers, and create a safer, more equitable world for all. Support the Rose Campaign and help us raise $300,000 for our violence prevention and recovery programs.

History of The Rose Campaign

The Rose Campaign carries a profound historical significance, rooted in a pivotal moment that stirred our unwavering dedication to eradicating gender-based violence. This initiative, named in memory of the heartbreaking events at l’École Polytechnique, stands as a solemn tribute to the 14 young women whose lives were tragically cut short. Their loss served as a rallying point, igniting a powerful movement to confront gender-based violence and champion strategies for its prevention in our communities.

The Rose Campaign is part of the broader 16 Days of Activism, which originated in 1991 during the Women’s Global Leadership Institute. This global movement is a resounding call to action against gender-based violence, offering us an opportunity to unite, raise our voices, and rekindle our resolute commitment to ending violence against women, girls, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and gender-diverse people. The Rose Campaign is a symbol of this ongoing journey, striving for a world where everyone can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence. Join us and be a part of this transformative change.

Learn more about the steps you can take to help people live violence-free lives.

Important Dates

November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 10 – Human Rights Day

Where Your Support Goes

Accessible Counselling Services

Free or subsidized counselling for those in need

Safe Housing Solutions

Affordable housing supports for women and children fleeing violence.

Healing Retreats

Providing victims of violence with spaces to heal and rebuild.

Empowering Youth

Programs that inspire and equip young people to heal and rebuild.

Advocacy for Safer Communities

Driving initiatives to make our communities safer for everyone

A Survivor's Story

Josephine fled her home country to escape violence, leaving everything behind in search of safety. But arriving in Canada brought new challenges: finding a place to live, navigating a new culture, and facing debilitating anxiety attacks. A successful businesswoman in Uganda, she suddenly found herself struggling to survive in an unfamiliar system.

That’s when she found YWCA Edmonton.

In counselling, Josephine found the safety and support to tell her story for the first time – of surviving sexual abuse, fleeing alone across the world, and the isolation of starting over.

“The support I’ve received from YWCA is unexplainable. To me, it’s the world.”

Today, Josephine has rebuilt her life. She is proof that with the right support, survivors can not only rebuild but thrive, and help others do the same.

“YWCA Edmonton has mentally empowered me to become a better woman, and I pledge to pass that on to other women and girls.”

Rose Garden Party

July 27, 2025
Birchwood Meadows
$25

Set in the blooming fields of Birchwood Meadows, the Rose Garden Party is a vibrant mix of good food, beautiful blooms and great company, all in support of YWCA Edmonton’s work to end gender-based violence.

Rose Launch

Save the Date
November 25, 2025

Save the date for our 2025 Rose Launch event, featuring an inspiring speaker, on-site activations, and an afternoon of connection with like-minded people committed to ending Gender-Based Violence.