On December 6th, 1989, 14 young women were murdered at Polytechnique Montréal. This act of violent misogyny led Parliament to designate December 6th as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Today, we remember the lives of the women lost in this tragedy.
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is an occasion to reflect on the lives affected and lost to gender-based violence. It is also a call to action. Building a Canada free of gender-based violence requires collective effort: educating ourselves and our communities, amplifying the voices of survivors, and challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours wherever they arise.
This day asks us to reflect on all those affected by gender-based violence in Canada and the ongoing need for prevention and accountability.
- Strengthen prevention and early intervention.
- Improve access to supports for survivors.
- Advance research and evidence-informed policy.
- Foster safe, equitable communities for women and girls.
Ways you can honour the victims of this tragedy TODAY:
- Wear a white ribbon
- Observe a moment of silence today
- Attend a vigil in your community
- Add your voice to the conversation and share ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence
- Learn more about the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence http://www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/16-days-of-activism
- Read Canada’s National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence http://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/intergovernmental-collaboration/national-action-plan-end-gender-based-violence.html