National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

December 6th marks an important date in history. It's the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a day when we collectively reflect on the violent tragedies that women face worldwide and commit ourselves to eradicate such acts.

The day holds a poignant significance, as it commemorates the tragic event that occurred on December 6, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal. On this day, fourteen young women were heartlessly killed simply because they were women. We remember them, we honor them, but we also recognize that their loss signifies a greater societal issue that requires immediate action.

Violence against women is not confined to a single day, a single act, or a single country. It permeates every society, every community, and affects women of all walks of life. It takes on many forms: physical, emotional, and psychological, and it often happens behind closed doors, unseen and unheard.

But we have the power to change this. We can take action. The National Day of Remembrance is not just about remembering; it’s about motivating all of us to stand against gender-based violence. It's a call to action to promote gender equality, to educate ourselves and others about the profound impact of violence, and to advocate for safer communities for women everywhere.

On this day, and every other day, let's pledge to ensure women's safety and equality; let's commit to not stand by idly when witnessing acts of violence against women, no matter how trivial they might seem. Remember, action begins at an individual level before it can reverberate throughout society.

Let us use this day as a catalyst for change, and remember: violence against women is not just a women's issue - it's a human issue.