Lakehead University Holds National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Lakehead University student Jake Hume places a candle next to photos of the 14 women who were killed at École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989.
December 6, 2013 — Thunder Bay, ON
It will take a community approach to end violence against women, said Jayal Chung, Coordinator of Lakehead University’s Gender Issues Centre on today’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
“Violence against women is a human rights issue. Everyone can begin to address gender-violence by becoming aware of the oppressive structures that support violence and reflecting on the attitudes we hold about women.
“Today’s ceremony is a reminder that gender-violence still exists. It’s a chance to reflect on the daily actions we can do and the greater political actions we can influence to end violence against women. We need to keep working towards a society that is safer and more inclusive, both on and off campus,” Chung said.
A candlelight vigil and moment of silence were held today in the Agora to remember the 14 women who were killed 24 years ago at École Polytechnique de Montréal.
“Ending violence against women is not just a priority for women, women’s groups, or organizations such as our Gender Issues Centre,” said Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. “As a university, a community, and a society, it is the responsibility of us all to teach each other and our children that violence against others is wrong and it will not be tolerated. Today, we are reminded that while change has occurred, change is still required, and we cannot stop until such violence is eliminated.”
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Lakehead University is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.