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Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence against Women in Canada

On December 6, 1989, 14 women were involved in an "anti-women" attack at Polytechnique Montréal. This act led Parliament to assign December 6th as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. We stand with those who have experienced, or are experiencing gender-based violence.


What is gender-based violence?

Gender-based violence is violence that is committed against someone based on their gender, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender.


It can take physical and emotional forms, such as: name-calling, hitting, pushing, blocking, stalking/criminal harassment, rape, sexual assault, control, and manipulation.

This type of violence can happen in families, at work, between friends or often in other private places between people who know one another


What are the 16 Days?

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women), and goes until December 10 (World Human Rights Day).


The 16 Days are an opportunity to come together as Canadians, and with partners around the world, to call out and speak up on gender-based violence and to voice our commitment to end this violence.


Interested in getting involved? Here are a few simple ways:


1. Get Involved on Social Media: When posting on social media, use the hashtag #16Days to share the actions you’re taking to help prevent and address gender-based violence.


2. Wear purple on November 25th to raise awareness. Make sure you share it on social media with the hashtag above.


3. On Decembr 6th, observe a moment of silence at 11:00 am to honour the 14 women. Wear a white ribbon to honour the victims of the tragedy.



5. Be a supporter by listening, believing in others, educating yourself, speaking out, intervening when necessary, and acting on negative behaviours.


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