Women

December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Remember, Mourn, Organize!

Commemorative events are happening across the country to remember and mark this day. In addition to commemorating the horrific events of December 6^th, we all have a role to play in ensuring the elimination of all forms of violence against women in Canada and throughout our world. Our collective actions can make a difference.

Make December 6^th a Call for Action.

Did You Know that in Canada, 100 women are murdered each year by their partner or ex-partner; a woman is raped every 17 minutes; and over 80% of women in the labour force have experienced sexual harassment at some time in their working lives?

Our union’s struggle to end violence against women must include an educational component, including tools to challenge all forms of violence against women - including sexism, racism and homophobia.

Collective Bargaining is also be a tool in the struggle against violence where developing strong anti-harassment clauses, ridding collective agreements of discriminatory language, developing joint training, or an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) can be negotiated. Get involved in the next round of negotiations for your bargaining unit and mobilize around issues that will advance women’s equality.

Participation in and the strengthening of your Regional Women’s Committees and Human Rights or Equity Committees can play an important role in providing the forum to advancing educational and collective action on violence against women. Organize a commemorative event with the Sisters and Brothers of your Local, Component and Region.

Support your local rape-crisis center, women shelter or women's center and find out if they are organizing events in the community and join in.

Write letters and opinion pieces to the local newspapers to make sure this issue gets the media attention it deserves.

Lobby your Member of Parliament and other politicians to pressure the government to ensure adequate funding for front-line services for women.

Make the links to the global struggle for peace and justice. In the wake of the tragic events of September 11^th, stop and think about the women around the world who are surrounded by violence.

Put Violence Against Women back on the agenda where it must remain until we, as a union, a community and a society, succeed in its elimination.

In remembrance of 14 young women who died so senselessly.

Michèle Richard, 21

Hélène Colgan, 23

Nathalie Croteau, 23

Maryse Leclair, 23

Sonia Pelletier, 23

Annie Turcotte, 21

Maryse Laganière, 25

Barbara Daigneault, 22

Anne-Marie Lemay, 27

Anne-Marie Edward, 21

Maud Haviernick, 29

Anne Saint-Arneault, 23

Geneviève Bergeron,21

Barbara Maria Kleuznick, 31

In Solidarity,

Nycole Turmel, National President
Robyn Benson, REVP, Prairies 
Patty Ducharme, REVP, B.C.

The following poster is available by e-mailing the PSAC Programs Section