December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.
What will you do?
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering victims; it is also a time to take action.
Why a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women?
As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
November and December are important months for raising awareness of gender-based violence in Canada and around the world. In addition to the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women takes place on November 25 and marks the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which ends on December 10, with International Human Rights Day.
Source: Status of Women Canada
On Campus:
This year the Equity and Human Rights Office has worked with members of the University Community to plan a short program and walk that will start and end in front of the SUB (Student Union Building) on Friday, December 1, 2017 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 pm (classes are officially cancelled from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm). Hot drinks will be available.
The walk will raise visibility about the prevalence and unacceptability of gender-based violence, and through peaceful movement through the space of the campus, express personal and collective commitments to non-violence.
Please contact EQHR (250-721-8786 or eqhr@uvic.ca) if you need accommodation by Monday, November 27 if at all possible.
Join us to express your commitment to ending gender-based violence
Additional Supports:
Employee and Family Assistance Program – Connect for confidential support
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