BCNU Encourages Continued Action to Prevent Gender-Based Violence

BCNU joins all members on Dec. 6 in honouring the lives of 14 women killed in an act of gender-based violence on this same date in 1989, when a gunman opened fire on them at École Polytechnique in Montreal. Fourteen others were injured.

BCNU remembers these women and honours their lives by reaffirming its commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy and the ongoing misogyny that continues to this day. In Canada and around the world, women, girls, 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus) and gender diverse individuals face unacceptable levels of violence and discrimination.

The health sector has a role to play in reducing the impact of gender-based violence, both by protecting women in health facilities where physical and psychological injuries are treated and helping them access other needed support services.

Gender-based violence and harassment often occur in the workplace or have workplace impacts when they happen outside of it. BCNU continues to advocate for robust violence prevention programs that include strategies to address how domestic and intimate partner violence spills over to the workplace, and to build a culture of workplace safety.

Dec. 6 falls within the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign that began on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs through to International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.

Add your voice to the conversation and share ways you can be part of the solution to end gender-based violence using the hashtags #16Days #NDRAVAW and #OurActionsMatter in your online postings about this commemoration.

BCNU is committed to supporting members with resources and information about occupational health and safety, including violence prevention in the workplace. Visit the OHS Outreach webpage to learn more.