BURNABY—On December 6 we remember and mourn the 14 women who were shot down at the École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. We also commit ourselves to action to end violence against women. An end to violence against women can only come about with a commitment to advance women’s equality.
Women in Canada and globally continue to experience wage discrimination, unequal access to training and education, a shortage of affordable housing, a shortage of quality non-profit child care, and cuts to women’s advocacy.
This year, to mark December 6, we encourage CUPE locals and members to participate in some major campaigns underway to combat violence against women.
In B.C., WAVAW (Women Against Violence Against Women) is marking its 25th anniversary of working in the interests of women who have been victimized by sexual violence.
YWCA Canada is re-launching the “Rose Button Campaign” a national advocacy campaign to end violence against women and girls. Sparked by the shocking murders at Montreal’s École Polytechnique, the “Rose Button Campaign” now commemorates December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action to End Violence Against Women.
The “Sisters in Spirit Campaign” is a five-year campaign of the Native Women’s Association of Canada to raise public awareness of the alarming rates of violence against Aboriginal women. There are currently at least 500 missing Aboriginal women in Canada. The campaign has four aims: conducting research regarding missing Aboriginal women; raising public awareness regarding the causes of violence against Aboriginal women; conducting educational workshops on the issues; and creating a hotline for reporting missing Aboriginal women. The campaign has a variety of methods for support. Please visit their website: www.nwac-hq.org