Introduction

Canadians unite every December 6 to celebrate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It is a significant day when people will pay tribute to the memory of the 14 young women who died in the 1989 Ecole Polytechnique tragedy in Montreal and all women and girls who still have to deal with gender-based violence in the country.

This day, in addition to remembering, they should also take active steps towards stopping gender-based violence and creating a safer and more inclusive society.

The Tragic Origin: The Montreal Massacre

On the 6th of December 1989, a gunman entered the Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal but specifically attacked women taking engineering. He killed 14 women and injured a number of other women before committing suicide in a gruesome gender-based violence.

This was not merely an attack on the people but the actual attack on the equality of women and their right of studying and working without discrimination or fear.

The incident was a shock to the country and resulted in many people discussing the issues of misogyny, gender inequality, and violence against women. 

Establishing a National Day of Remembrance

The Government of Canada recognized December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in 1991.

The day is now included in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence that is conducted between November 25 (International Day to end Violence against Women) and December 10 (Human Rights Day).

Although the day is a remembrance of the 14 women and girls who lost their lives in the Montreal Massacre, it is also a Remembrance Day of all women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals who have become victims or fallen victims of violence.

Why This Day Matters

Remembering the Victims

The remembrance is the first aim of this day. It takes a moment to remember the lives that were lost in 1989 and all victims of gender-based violence. Tributes to the victims and their families are done through memorials, vigils, and moments of silence throughout the country.

Raising Awareness

The day also contributes to creating awareness among the people on how the problem of violence against women is still a problem. Statistics suggests that more than 40 percent of women have faced some type violence throughout their lives, with Indigenous women being a disproportionately large group of victims.

Canadians unite in a fight against negative stereotypes, encourage equality, and assist survivors by accepting these facts.

Inspiring Action

It is not enough to remember. This is another day to take action–to encourage policies, education, and community intervention to deal with gender-based violence. It motivates individuals, organizations and governments to be committed to providing safe spaces, assisting victims, and avert violence in future.

Forms of Gender-Based Violence in Canada

Violence against women takes the following forms, which include:

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) – Domestic violence of a physical, emotional, or sexual character in a relationship.

Sexual Violence – Forced sexual contact, harassment or assault.

Online Harassment and Cyberbullying – Particularly against women and girls in the social life.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation – Over-representing young and Indigenous women.

Workplace Harassment – Prejudice or abuse at workplaces.

The awareness of these forms will enable to realize that violence is not only physical but also psychological, economic, and systemic violence.

Supporting Survivors and Taking Action

Listen and Believe Survivors

Listening to and believing survivors is one of the most effective ways that people can engage in. By establishing a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere, survivors will be able to step up and start the healing process.

Educate and Advocate

Education is important in deterring violence, Canadians can:

• Gender equality and healthy relationships.
• Become a supporter of prevention of violence programs in schools and communities.
• Demand better protection and resources to victims.

Support Local Organizations

There are many organizations, which are tirelessly working to eradicate gender-based violence, including:

• Canadian Women’s Foundation
• ShelterSafe.ca
• YWCA Canada
• Nwac Native Women Association of Canada.

By donating, volunteering, or advocating, it is possible to support these organizations so that they can make sure that survivors get the resources they require.

Government and Community Efforts

The Government of Canada has also introduced a number of programs that tackle gender-based violence such as the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which was introduced in 2022.

This plan collaborates with provincial and territories and Indigenous organizations to make sure that all people, regardless of their location, should receive trustworthy support and services.

Local community activities such as local shelters, counselling programs and advocacy initiatives are also crucial to the prevention and recovery.