The 14 women who were killed as feminists:
Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène 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.
These are the names of 14 young women aged 20 to 31 whom we will never forget. December 6, 1989, is a day that will forever remain engraved in our collective memory. That day, twenty-eight years ago, the horrible face of misogyny reared its ugly head when 14 women were massacred simply because they were women.
Since that tragic day, December 6th has been commemorated as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It is our duty to continue this struggle so that every woman can live fully and safely.
Society has changed, but violence against women is still not a thing of the past. The number of domestic violence cases has gone down. Women have increased financial independence and social equality has improved, it is now easier for women to leave a violent partner. Nevertheless, it is estimated that 70% of domestic abuse cases are not reported to the police.
The #MeToo movement that has risen up over the past few months is a clear testimony to the scope and extent of continued violence against women in our society. The plea of Indigenous women for justice on behalf of their sisters who have disappeared or been murdered is another clear example of the need to continue this struggle.
Let’s take these opportunities to demand more justice, more equity and more security for women. Let’s work together to change the culture that has diminished women for far too long.
Jan Simpson
CUPW 1st National Vice-President