UPEI observes National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

The following statement was issued to the UPEI campus community by Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, in observance of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

Today, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, which marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal, because they were women: Geneviève Bergeron, Helene Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte.

This day commemorates these women whose lives ended tragically twenty-nine years ago, as well as all those who have died as a result of gender-based violence (GBV). However, nearly thirty years later, the effects of this tragedy continue to be felt and women remain targets because of their gender.

Therefore, while the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women is about remembering, it is also an opportunity for our University community and for all Canadians to reflect on the fact that women in Canada and around the world continue to face disproportionate levels of violence every day.

So while we should always remember on December 6, we must also come together to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, and to challenge the culture that allows it to thrive. We each have the responsibility to stand up against misogyny, sexism, and hate—and it starts with creating a culture of respect. The Government of Canada, with this year’s theme, #MYActionsMatter, asks everyone to take concrete steps to question and speak up against acts of GBV. UPEI reminds everyone that we can work for change by asking the question, “what will you do?”  One action is to take the pledge to end gender-based violence #MYActionsMatter

UPEI will also observe the day by lowering the flags in front of Kelley Memorial Building to half-mast.