Take part to end the violence

OTTAWA (December 2, 2009)-- December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, it is the sad anniversary of the death of 14 women who were killed on December 6, 1989 at l’École Polytechnique in Montréal.  This December 6th marks 20 years since those women were murdered simply because
they were women.

December 6th is an opportunity for all citizens to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society, to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. It is also a time to participate in local activities, national and international campaigns. 

“The tragedy that led to a National Day of Remembrance and Action compels all trade union activists to raise awareness on violence against women including its root causes, both social and economic,” says CEP President Dave Coles. 

“Ironically, as this anniversary approaches, our government is trying to do away with the firearms registry, the one concrete measure taken to reduce gun violence against women.”

The Canadian Labour Congress has developed a campaign asking Canadians to send 20 postcard messages to the federal government. It recognizes that a law and order agenda will never end violence against women, and calls for a series of comprehensive social and economic policies. The campaign is called “20 Days 20 Ways to End Violence Against Women”. 

UNI Women (Union Network International) has also launched a campaign "Break the Circle!" www.breakingthecircle.org with 16 days of activism to end violence against women, stop the spread of HIV and promote human rights.  It stresses the fact that gender inequality causes gender violence. And violence only increases inequality.

Help to break the circle! Screen the video in your union, community, school or home. It can be found, along with a discussion and action guide on the campaign website:  http://www.uniglobalunion.org/Apps/iportal.nsf/pages/btc_homeEn

You can also join the YWCA’s “Send a Rose” campaign to End Violence Against Women & Girls.  Visit www.rosecampaign.ca to send your MP a virtual rose today.

“I ask you to think about all the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence,” says President Coles.

“As a union, we must pledge to never commit, condone, encourage, or turn a blind eye to men's violence against women. I’m sure that all of you know at least one woman or girl affected by violence. In Ontario alone, more than 200,000 women reported incidents of physical or sexual violence perpetrated by a spouse, over a five-year period. Worldwide 1 in 3 women/girls are affected by violence. According to Statistics Canada 2006, the rates of violence against women have not changed. These figures are even worse for Aboriginal and immigrant women.

“But good intentions are not good enough. I ask you to take a stand to end violence against women. Local vigils and other events are being held in many communities across Canada. Join a campaign in your region or in your city, or go online to participate in national or international campaigns.

“Men should wear the white ribbon and not remain silent on this issue. Let’s begin to regard all people with the same compassion and empathy, and give them the same rights and dignity that we expect for ourselves today and every day!