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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

Rose Campaign Launch

November 24, 2025
Ford Hall, Rogers Place

Doors at 4:00pm
Program at 5:00pm
All ages welcome

The Rose Campaign Launch brings our community together to have an honest conversation about the role we all have in ending gender-based violence, including men and boys. This year, we are focusing on how change takes shape when we move past silence and invite more voices into the work.

The event will feature a panel conversation with three community leaders who bring lived experience:

Jake Stika
Co-founder and Executive Director of Next Gen Men, working to expand how we understand masculinity and build a future where boys and men experience less pain and cause less harm.

Jill Dean
President of Lives in Transition, supporting women rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of family violence and advocating for safer pathways to healing and stability.

Len Rhodes
Business and community leader and long-time advocate for violence prevention, dedicated to helping break cycles of harm and silence.

This is a space to listen, reflect and consider what change can look like in our homes, workplaces and communities. Everyone is welcome.

Launch Event Activities:

Shop our limited-edition Rose Tote filled with items from local businesses
Purchase Rose Raffle tickets for the chance to win Edmonton experiences
Join our Changemakers Network with a monthly gift of $25+ and receive a commemorative rose pin

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

Engaging Men & Boys in Ending Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence does not start with an act of violence. It starts with silence. It starts with the jokes that go unchecked, the comments we let slide, or the belief that “boys will be boys.” It starts when we learn to look away instead of speak up.

This year’s Rose Campaign is about changing that story.

Gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue. It affects all of us. It shows up in our homes, workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods. If we want to end it, we need to work together.

When men and boys are part of the conversation, we create space for understanding, accountability and new definitions of strength. Change happens through the examples we set, the questions we ask and the care we show to the people around us. Every interaction matters.

At YWCA Edmonton, we believe everyone is a leader. Each of us has influence, whether we recognize it or not. Ending violence begins with how we show up every day.

Change does not happen all at once. It happens through small, everyday acts of care and responsibility. We all have a role to play. And when we step into that role together, we build safer, stronger communities for everyone.

What You Can Do

There are real, tangible ways to help create safer communities:

Speak up when you hear disrespectful language or jokes

Model equality, empathy and consent in your relationships

Talk to boys and young men about what healthy masculinity looks like

Listen to survivors and believe their stories

Reflect on how you use your influence at home, at work or in your community

Support organizations that provide counselling, housing and prevention programs

Attend local events like the Rose Campaign Launch or Rose Breakfast

Volunteer your time or skills to create safer spaces for others

Advocate for policies that promote equality and safety

Share what you learn with others, because awareness is the first step toward action

Rose Breakfast

SOLD OUT – December 5, 2025
Fairmont Hotel McDonald
Keynote Speaker Len Rhodes

Taking place on December 5, The Rose Breakfast unites passionate community members, advocates, and changemakers for a morning of connection and action in support of a future free from gender-based violence