On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Boundary Women’s Coalition invites all women and men to demonstrate your commitment to ending violence against women.
This day commemorates the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. A brief flag lowering ceremony will be held at 12:15 p.m. at Grand Forks City Hall followed by food and refreshments at the Boundary Women’s Resource Centre on Market Avenue.
Canadian flags on all federal buildings, including the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, are flown at half-mast on Dec. 6.
This National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is commemorated in Canada each Dec. 6, the anniversary of the 1989 Ecole Polytechnique Massacre in Montreal, in which 14 women were gunned down by a man who was angry at women because they were studying to be engineers.
Women around the globe continue to be maimed, sexually assaulted and slain because of their gender.
Tragically, here in Canada, aboriginal women are targeted in disproportionate numbers.
Because of the fact that one of every three women have experienced men’s violence against women, it is highly likely that we have all known a mother, daughter, sister, friend, or colleague who has suffered the impact of such violence.
Across Canada, this day is often marked by vigils, discussions and other reflections on violence against women.
By standing together at vigils, we acknowledge the prevalence of gender violence and take a stand against it.
This action also supports those families whose loved ones have been murdered or are still missing. It is so easy to be a bystander and ignore the gender violence we see around us.
Every time we stand up for our values, we make a contribution to a more peaceful world.
We have just such an opportunity to take a stand on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 12:15 p.m. at Grand Forks City Hall.
– Submitted by the Boundary Women's Coalition
