Reflecting on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 6th, 1989 is a day of immense sadness and tragedy that impacted the entire nation. The result of this event led Parliament to designate December 6th as The National day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

36 years ago, 14 young women were killed at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, in what is known as the Montreal Massacre. This attack was provoked only towards female students in a frightening act of violent misogyny. The unwarranted deaths of these women demonstrate the disturbing reality of women who die by violence every year in Canada.

On this day, we mourn the innocent lives that were unjustly taken and seek further action to combat the hatred that caused this event. We remember and stand with those who have experienced gender-based violence and be a voice to those who lost their own. In order to achieve a Canada free from gender-biased violence, everyone must contribute through educating themselves, supporting survivors, and engaging with initiatives that are seeking justice.

To show support for ending gender-based violence, a white ribbon can be worn December 6th. The White Ribbon Campaign is an international movement that is geared towards ending male violence against women.

Its debut was in Toronto in 1991 in response to the Montreal Massacre and takes place annually to collectively bring awareness to gender-based violence.

As an initiative stemming from Quebec, this event is a catalyst and reason to keep on supporting initiatives that are actively ending injustices that still occur locally and world-wide.

Today, we remember all women who have experienced gender-based violence, and further mourn the 14 lives lost December 6th, 1989.

Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte