On December 6th, we gather to remember women and children who have been murdered or are missing, as well as the victims of the Montreal Massacre.

It has been 30 years since the tragic mass shooting at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal (December 6, 1989) that saw the promising lives of 14 young women cut violently short. This senseless act of targeted violence shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

As we come together to commemorate this national tragedy, we also reflect on the troubling fact that for women, girls and LGBTQ2S individuals across our country violence continues to be a daily reality. Violence will have impacts on their physical, sexual and reproductive health. They may experience anxiety and a reduced ability to participate in social and economic activities, leaving gaps in our workplaces and in our communities as a result of violence. 

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women is about honouring those who have experienced gender-based violence; it is also a time to take action.

We all have a role to play in creating a culture of respect and taking meaningful action to ensure that tragedies like l'École Polytechnique de Montréal never happen again.

Add your voice to the conversation between November 25 and December 10 and share the ways you are being part of the solution to end gender-based violence. 

• From Status of Women Canada