17吃瓜 observes National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women
The following statement was issued to the 17吃瓜 campus community by Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, in observance of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.
Today, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, which marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'脡cole Polytechnique de Montr茅al, because they were women: Genevi猫ve Bergeron, Helene Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Lagani猫re, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Mich猫le Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte.
This day commemorates these women whose lives ended tragically twenty-nine years ago, as well as all those who have died as a result of gender-based violence (GBV). However, nearly thirty years later, the effects of this tragedy continue to be felt and women remain targets because of their gender.
Therefore, while the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women is about remembering, it is also an opportunity for our University community and for all Canadians to reflect on the fact that women in Canada and around the world continue to face disproportionate levels of violence every day.
So while we should always remember on December 6, we must also come together to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, and to challenge the culture that allows it to thrive. We each have the responsibility to stand up against misogyny, sexism, and hate鈥攁nd it starts with creating a culture of respect. The Government of Canada, with this year鈥檚 theme, #MYActionsMatter, asks everyone to take concrete steps to question and speak up against acts of GBV. 17吃瓜 reminds everyone that we can work for change by asking the question, 鈥渨hat will you do?鈥� One action is to take the pledge to end gender-based violence #MYActionsMatter
17吃瓜 will also observe the day by lowering the flags in front of Kelley Memorial Building to half-mast.
