December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. As we commemorate this national tragedy, we reflect on how violence against women and girls continues to plague our society. Together, we must reaffirm our commitment to stand with survivors, raise awareness and challenge the sociocultural norms that perpetuate violence and hate in all its forms.
York University will host a memorial ceremony in honour of the 14 victims who tragically lost their lives at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6 in 1989: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte, and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.
York community members are invited to attend the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women memorial in person or online. We hope this memorial ceremony, as well as other events planned for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, will honour those who we have lost but also help enable our community to take action and support those who require our support. In solidarity with victims and survivors, we invite you to wear a white ribbon during the memorial ceremony as a symbol of your commitment to ending gender-based violence. Ribbons are available at the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education (The Centre).
Download the National Day of Remembrance Zoom background.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Memorial
Join us for York’s memorial ceremony in person or online as we honour those we have lost and reflect on renewing our commitment to take action on ending gender-based violence.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence
The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education and partners are hosting a series of events for York community members in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
Content warning: We recognize that each one of us has personal histories and struggles. As such, please note that community events and the memorial ceremony will mention different forms of sexual violence including sexual assault, sexual harassment and murder. Please prioritize your health and well-being and take the space that you need for each event. For more resources and supports, community members can contact the Centre for Sexual Violence Response Support & Education (thecentre@yorku.ca).
York University Research
Learn more about York University’s leading research in women and girls’ health & well-being
Office of Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health
2020 Syndemic: Convergence of COVID-19, gender-based violence, and racism pandemics
Policy Brief COVID19 Pandemic guidelines [PDF]
Information Brief GBV and COVID19 pandemic [PDF]
Infographic GBV during COVID-19 [PDF]
Toolkit GBV during COVID-19 [PDF]
Information Sheet 14: Gender-based violence and refugee youth: Towards trauma-informed practices
Support Resources
The Centre for Sexual Violence Response Support and Education
Well-being at York University