Commemorating the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Hello Members,
Tomorrow, December 6, is National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against women. It honours the 14 women who lost their lives to an act of senseless violence at the Polytechnique Montréal massacre on December 6, 1989. Please consider wearing a white ribbon tomorrow, and taking a moment of silence for the 14 victims:
- 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
The death of these women is a brutal reminder of why we need to renew our commitment to ending violence against women and girls. It is a solemn occasion to remember those who have experienced gender-based violence and to pay tribute to the resilience of survivors.
What can we do?
Speak Up: You can be a supportive ally by speaking up when you see sexist attitudes and behavior in your workplace. When we speak up, we acknowledge that there is an issue.
Support Survivor Organizations: Sweeping aid cuts are being made to women’s organizations around the world. Consider providing support to an organization so that they can continue helping survivors of gender-based violence
Attend an Event or Workshop: Staying informed is a powerful way to contribute to creating a more informed and compassionate community.
Avoid Gender Stereotypes: Strict gender stereotypes set unfair social expectations for all. Challenge social norms by not accepting harmful thoughts and ideas that reinforce inequality.
Take Action: Taking action can look different for everyone. Whether it’s being a positive role model for youth and teaching them about boundaries and consent or rejecting violent behaviours toward women, girls and non-binary people.
Together, we can rally and become allies to change social norms, attitudes and behaviors that contribute to gender-based violence. Although this is not an easy subject, it is essential to speak up, make no excuses and demand a world that does not encourage gender-based violence.
In solemn memory of the Polytechnique victims,
USW Local 1944
