November 25 marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). These sixteen days, recognized internationally, are an opportunity to reflect and mobilize to end gender-based violence, a commitment we solemnly renew on December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

December 6 marks the anniversary of the tragic 1989 Montreal Massacre, where 14 women were murdered at École Polytechnique, simply because they were women.  This devastating act remains a stark reminder that misogyny, hatred, and gender-based violence are still deeply rooted in our society. Today, the rise of the manosphere – online communities that promote misogynistic, anti-feminist beliefs – and[KO1]  “red-pill” ideologies stoke division and hate. These ideologies are deeply concerning and underline the urgent need to act.

December 6 is not a day for silence – it is a day for action.

At Unifor, we understand the importance of organizing for gender equity. We have fought for, won, and expanded paid domestic violence leave. And we have significantly grown our Women’s Advocate network to more than 720 dedicated sisters and siblings who provide support accessing community and workplace resources, to achieve healthier workplaces and a path to safety for women.

Unifor’s comprehensive intimate partner violence campaign is pushing governments to officially recognize the devastation of IPV as an epidemic across the country. Building on the Nova Scotia declaration last year, we hosted a successful symposium in New Brunswick, followed just two days later by a motion declaring IPV an epidemic in their legislature. This vital work will continue with a third symposium held on November 28 in St. John’s NL, and we will not stop until every province acts.

Our work is far from over.

Femicides are on the rise across Canada, and we know that protecting women from violence must be a national priority. Governments must act urgently by committing to the following:

• Declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and dedicate funding to prevention programs, shelters, and survivor supports.
• Strengthen workplace protections, increase domestic violence leave, and ensure employers provide access to resources and supports.
• Invest in equity, education, and prevention to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
• Recognize unions as frontline partners in building safer workplaces and communities.

In preparation for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on December 6, members can download and print posters to display on bulletin boards, in lunchrooms, union offices and more.

Download digital copies of the poster and social media graphics. 

During the sixteen days of activism, we are reminded that remembrance must always be followed by action. We owe it to the fourteen women we lost in the Montreal Massacre:

• 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
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

We owe it to every woman facing violence today and the generations who will follow.

Unifor encourages all members to keep showing up and speaking out. The power of collective action is the driving force that will challenge and end gender-based violence.