Recognizing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Today, December 6th marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Thirty-five years ago today, a violent femicide took place at Polytechnique Montréal.
On December 6, we remember:
- 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
Since this femicide occurred 35 years ago, femicides have been on the rise. There was a 26% increase in killings of women and girls from 2019 to 2021.[1] Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive and lethal epidemic in our society.
In addition to honoring, mourning, and remembering the lives of these fourteen women, we must also recommit ourselves to the work of eliminating violence. We continue to call governments to implement the Roadmap for a National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Gender-Based Violence. We’re also calling for governments to commit to and prioritize the implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Unifor Local 222’s Women’s Committee hosts an annual Candlelight Vigil in Oshawa, in remembrance of the 14 women who lost their lives to gender-based violence at the Ecole Polytechnique massacre.
Everyone has a role to play in ending intimate partner violence. Here are some ways you can join us in eliminating GBV:
Volunteer
Whether through fundraising, advocacy, or offering direct support, our legal support volunteers, pro bono lawyers, and board members are the backbone of our organization. Your time and skills can help change a woman’s life.
Spread Awareness
You can use your voice to raise awareness in your community. Talk about the realities of woman abuse and the challenges women face in the family court system. Join the many calls for governments to implement the Roadmap for a National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Gender-Based Violence. Governments must commit to and prioritize the implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and GirlsShare information about the resources available through Luke’s Place.
At Luke’s Place, our work is rooted in the belief that together, we can make a difference. Whether through offering support or raising awareness, every action matters. This National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women let’s join together as a community and take a stand for the women who need us. Let’s commit to creating a future where every woman is safe, supported, and empowered to live a life free from abuse.