Because They Were Girls

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Today is Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

CBC Archival Footage of the Montreal Massacre.

I was ten when this happened.

Almost all of them were younger when they died than I am now.

* Geneviève Bergeron - age 21
* Hélène Colgan - age 23
* Nathalie Croteau - age 23
* Barbara Daigneault - age 22
* Anne-Marie Edward - age 21
* Maud Haviernick - age 29
* Barbara Maria Klucznik - age 31
* Maryse Leclair - age 23
* Annie St.-Arneault - age 23
* Michèle Richard - age 21
* Maryse Laganière - age 25
* Anne-Marie Lemay - age 22
* Sonia Pelletier - age 28
* Annie Turcotte - age 21


We must remain vigilant against all forms of misogyny, against intimidation and exploitation in the form of barriers to the advancement of women's equality. Against the brutality of intransigence that allows schoolgirls to be attacked with acid. Against all attacks on the physical and psychological integrity of girls and women.
Michaëlle Jean (Governor General of Canada)




*~*~*~*~*

Fourteen Reasons

because they wouldn't fade
into the background

because they knew the risks
of living
in a man's world

because they were brave and
risked them anyway

because they wouldn't
let
the boys win
every time

because they were smart
and capable
and knew it

because they didn't want arts degrees
or secretarial certificates
but wanted this

because they went after
what they wanted
and got it

because they were in the wrong place
at the wrong time

because they were exactly where they belonged

because they were
a bunch of feminists
even the ones
who wouldn’t have said as much

because they were just like you
just
like me

because they were
always ever and only
themselves

because they are remembered
and so many others aren't

because
at the root of it
they died
because
they were
girls