December 6th: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

November 28, 2024 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 2:30

December 6 marks a somber anniversary. In 1989, 14 young women were murdered in mere minutes at the École Polytechnique in Montreal – simply because they were women. This act is now referred to as femicide (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website), which, as per the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, underscores how women are often targeted and killed because they are women.

Today, members of the Defence Team are encouraged to pause and observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, which was designated by the Parliament of Canada in 1991 to mark the anniversary of this tragedy.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and those who have lost their lives to it. It is also a time to act. Achieving a Defence Team and a Canada free from GBV requires everyone to educate themselves and their families and communities on GBV, centre the voices of survivors in our actions, and speak up against harmful behaviours.

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

This commemorative day falls within the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign which begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day. The campaign provides people around the world with an opportunity to come together to call out, speak up against, and renew our commitment to end gender-based violence.

If you or anyone you know has experienced or is experiencing GBV, help exists. In addition to the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resources Centre, Defence Team members have access to a number of services that can provide immediate care, support, or medical assistance. Support is also available in your communities through civilian service providers. Please seek help if you need to. You can also participate in the conversation through the hashtag #16Days on social media.