As my colleagues Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced earlier this week, November 25th to December 10th marks the annual global campaign: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This initiative aims to unite everyone across Canada and the world towards a common goal, educating, calling out and speaking up against acts of gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence is a pervasive and complex societal issue that cannot be solved through the actions of one individual or organization, it requires united action. This year’s initiative’s theme, Come Together, Act Now, emphasizes the need for collective action. Everyone in Canada must be conscious of the harms others suffer solely due to their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender so that they can call out these acts of violence. The actions of men both young and old can play a huge role in countering harmful social norms, attitudes, and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence.
In Quebec, we feel this cause deeply as 35 years ago 14 women were senselessly murdered at the École Polytechnique. Their murderer targeted them for being women who dared to dream of and pursue a career in a male dominated industry. This tragic massacre is a painful reminder of the very real danger caused by the hatred and discrimination women continue to face in Quebec and across Canada.
On December 6th, we honour the memory of the 14 women who lost their lives by wearing a white ribbon. Let this senseless act of violence be a call to action: do not let your friends’ casual misogyny slide, speak out and educate. You may also consider watching the Canadian film Polytechnique to educate yourself to understand why this crime continues to be felt so deeply in the hearts of all Quebecers. (Warning: contains content about gun violence, death, suicide, and femicide.)
If you are a victim of gender-based violence and are in immediate danger, please call 911. There are also resources in our community to help you, such as the Carrefour des Femmes de Saint-Léonard, where you can find support. Many crisis lines are also available:
Our Liberal government is committed to combatting gender-based violence through strategic investments, initiatives and legislation. By uniting all levels of government and community organizations we will be able to design and implement even more socioeconomic programs and services to remove the barriers that prevent individuals from living free from violence.
