Thursday, December 4, 2014

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women



l’École Polytechnique de Montréal
December 6 is a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
This is a Canadian day of remembrance and is also known informally as White Ribbon Day. On December 6, 1989, 14 women, individuals at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, were killed in a gender-based act of violence. The massacre occurred when Marc Lepine, an armed student, murdered the fourteen women and injured ten others, in the name of fighting feminism.

The women who died were:
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

In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The day now represents a time to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also a day for communities and individuals to speak out against all forms of violence against women and its impact on victims and their families and friends.

Canadian flags on all federal buildings – including the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario – are flown at half-mast on December 6. Canadians are encouraged to observe a minute of silence on December 6 and to wear a white ribbon as a commitment to end violence against women. Candlelight vigils, memorial services, and other events are held throughout the country.

5 comments:

  1. This was an ugly day in our country. In a sad way - it makes me proud - we still honour these women. Sad because we have to honour them because of such a senseless tragic event.

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  2. Thanks for sharing this Beverley, I agree with Victoria, sad that such a needless event had to occur before notice was taken.

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  3. Thanks for posting, both of you. It always seems to take some senseless violence to make people notice there is an issue that needs to be addressed.

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  4. I hadn't heard about this holiday. I'm saddened that the USA doesn't have a day of remembrance for the many women who've given their lives for our country. I don't think there's been a specific act against women on US soil but women are targeted all throughout the world. It's time to say No Way!

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  5. I agree and I like the US commercials about violence again women - No More!
    The incident in Canada was a man who only shot women and said it was an act against feminism which I think really got people's attention.

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