How London will honour victims of violence against women today

On the anniversary of thecolePolytechniquemassacre, local social agencies are honouring women who are victims of violence, and joining supporters across the country in a national day of remembrance.

On this day in 1989, 14 women were shot and killed atcolePolytechniquein Montreal by a gunman professing to hate feminists. Today is also known as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

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Several agencies are also shedding light on current struggles that women face.

DaniBartlett, representative of United Way London andMiddlesex, helped organize Tampon Tuesday. The event has gathered about 5,000 boxes of donated feminine hygiene products for donation to clients of theLondon Food Bank, My Sisters Place,NokeeKwe, and several other social agencies.

Bartlett said there's still plenty of work to be done when it comes to addressing violence against women.

"We [need] to remind people it's still not safe for women it's still not safe for girls," she said. "Equity for women and women's issues needs to be talked about right from the fact that our bodies are different. The way we're seen in society is different. The way we're paid is different. The way that we're educated is different.

"And women living in poverty have this extra layer."

She advises Londoners to attend local vigilsto mourn the 14 womenkilled. She said it would also be a strong show of support for women who are victims of violence.

Memorials:

• MySisters Place:12 p.m.
• Victoria Park: 5:30 p.m.

If you know of any more memorials happening across the city, e-maillondonnewstips@cbc.ca