Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by Parliament, this day marks the anniversary of the 14 young women murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal.
They died for no other reason other than because they were women.
The names of these women are:
- Geneviève Bergeron
- Hélène Colgan
- Nathalie Croteau
- Barbara Daineault
- Anne-Marie Edward
- Maud Haviernick
- Barbara Klucznik
- Maryse Laganière
- Maryse Leclair
- Anne-Marie Lemay
- Sonia Pelletier
- Michèle Richard
- Annie Turcotte
- Annie St.-Arneault
They were daughters, sisters, friends, colleagues, but above all, they were human beings.
It is important that we never lose sight of each individual afflicted by gender-based violence in our community. By doing so, we can address and decrease the devastating health and social impacts this violence has on the lives of individuals, families, and communities across Canadian society as a whole.
The numbers are staggering:
- According to Statistics Canada, approximately every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner.
- Out of the 83 police-reported intimate partner homicides in 2014, 67 of the victims—over 80%—were women.
- On any given night across our country, 3,491 women and their 2,724 children sleep in shelters because it isn’t safe at home.
We must act together
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering victims; it is also a time to take action.
Today we commemorate the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation. Together, we reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. Today, we must consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality. We remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence.
Today is a day on which we must consider, construct, and mandate concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Ask yourself: how can I stop gender based violence? Use your voice to propel this action forward.
Tonight, vigils and events will take place to remember those lost to gender-based violence. Find one in your community here.
United Way’s vision is a healthy, caring, inclusive community for all.