Gender-based violence pervades our society. Addressing this grave social issue is a major focus of CFUW.

Our club has organized a solemn service of remembrance every year for the 14 young women murdered at L'Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989. This service has taken many forms. In 2020 the University of Waterloo and the CFUW K-W partnered to create an online commemoration that was broadcast live on YouTube. Click here to view the 2020 virtual ceremony.

Our national organization has produced a toolkit of information and strategies to increase awareness of gender-based violence and suggest possible actions. A 16-day campaign of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence runs each year from November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, International Human Rights Day. December 6th has been established as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. It is vital to remember that women's rights are, in essence, human rights.