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Ottawa (02 Dec. 2021) On December 6, 1989, a male gunman opened fire in a classroom at the Montreal engineering school, specifically targeting women students in an anti-feminist attack. The École Polytechnique massacre is commemorated annually as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Chairperson of the LDLC Women’s Committee, Laurie Nancekivell  states, “This act of violent misogyny shook our nation and we must never forget that these women were targeted solely on the basis of their gender.  While we honour and remember these women, we must also fight to dismantle the discrimination that exists today, especially to gender diverse and racialized women.”

London and District Labour Council President, Patti Dalton states, “We must honour the lives of the 14 women who were killed on December 6th,1989 and continue to work to address violence against women and to press governments for increased funding for those critical services that support women so that more lives are not lost.”

This day of remembrance falls within the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence between November 25 and December 10. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women. This year marks the 30th year of the campaign and the global theme is Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now.

2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the Global 16 Days Campaign. Inspired by the original vision and history of the Campaign, which focused on raising awareness about violence against women (VAW), and considering the continuing impunity for femicide, this year the Campaign will focus on the issue of “femicide or the gender-related killing of women.”

In 2021, in addition to the anniversary theme, the Campaign will continue its program activities to end gender-based violence (GBV) in the world of work by focusing on the link between domestic violence and the world of work, drawing on legal standards outlined in ILO Convention 190 (C190) and the actions put forward in Recommendation 206 (R206).

COVID-19 has presented us with new challenges which call for individual and collective solutions. Let’s continue our efforts all year round from 16 to 365 days of activism, to advance the human rights of women. A world without violence is possible and this moment demands unparalleled courage and joint action to make this vision a reality. More information, including about upcoming events, and advocacy materials as well as opportunities to contribute to the anniversary celebrations will be disseminated by the Campaign soon. Stay tuned! Read more.