Over the Edge »- November 30 features 5 NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Memorable Achievements of Canadian Women LAURA BEVACQUA FEATURES EDITOR he National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada marks a yearly anniversary of the 14 aspiring young women who, in 1989 at L’Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, were gunned down and Why? Because they were murdered. all women. Established in 1991, the Parlia- ment of Canada commemorates the women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based vio- lence that shocked the nation. Status of Women in Can- ada says that the day also represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenom- enon of violence against women in our society, — still ' A =¢remember fa prevalent today. It is also an opportun- ity to consider the women and girls ~ for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. Many feminist groups and public officials have characterized the massacre as an anti-feminist attack that is representative of wider societal violence against women. It is tragic that such a radical event had to occur. Global- ly, women have been struggling for equal rights, including Dec 6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. the right to education. The Polytech students had the op- portunity, the skill sets, and ability to pursue an engineer- ing program, but their lives had been cut short or affected ONLINE SOURCE by a man who was reported to be an “anti-feminist.” There is a term in the Portuguese language we use in describing those that commit hate- based violence and sick acts: doente da cabeca, otherwise known as, sick in the head. Pll admit, it’s not exactly the most politically correct term to use, but it gets the point across. To imagine that women did not have the right to vote in this country and elsewhere _ before 1918, own prop- erty or earn wages \ equal to man, are notions I cannot Thank- fully, the events on December 6th 1989 have not stopped fathom. the advancement of women’s profes- sional status and the achievements of high excellence in the workforce and in academia. There is an extensive list of extraordinary women ac- complishing extraordinary things within various Canadian industries. Here are just a few of them in a nutshell: Scholar and President of McGill University, Heather Munroe-Blum Four Seasons CEO, Kathleen Taylor Medical Doctor and National Health Journalist, Dr. Marla Shapiro Author and Social Activist, Naomi Klein Top CFO in Canada 2009, Colleen Johnston Former Governor General of Canada, Michaelle Jean One of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women 2009 and Chair of Canadian Tire Corporation, Maureen Sabia It is both exhilarating and motivating to research bril- liant women who have excelled at the forefront within their profession. Whether in academia, political, not-for- profit or corporate sectors, women have continued to ad- vance themselves as local or international leaders. It is important to acknowledge, award and encourage the advancement of professional women yet, there is still much work to be done and policies to be changed for those women who remain silenced. The ongoing systematic rapes and beatings occurring to women in Darfur or malnutrition and poorly funded health care for women in India are only a couple examples of how women remain marginalized and fall victim to horrendous treatments. Thanks to my pioneer sisters who carved the way and made integral commitments by engaging in reform move- ments, criticizing occupational standards and transforming women’s rights to succeed in professional roles. Let’s do the same for those women from Polytech and women around the world whose voices remain silent and soul, bleak. IDEAS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS Affordable, Meaningful, Practical LAURA BEVACQUA FEATURES EDITOR or the last minute holiday shoppers who are uncertain or per- haps in limbo for perfect and practical holiday gifts, here are some affordable ideas that will ease the stressful mind and hopefully create a more meaningful shopping experience. Register with LivingSocial.com and save A website dedicated to the promotion of fantastic and rare deals within specific cities across the U.S. and Canada, I recommend using livingsocial.com as a tool in stretching the buck. Once registered, you will receive regular emails promoting the day’s top deal within the city you are associated with. Discounts of up to 90% at local res- taurants, bars, spas, and even outdoor activities, livingsocial.com is a great avenue to indulge in some activities or receive VIP treatment without paying the expensive price tag. Fair-trade coffee Purchase with an eco and socially responsible conscious. Buy fairly traded products from coffee chains that supply gourmet options through ethical partnerships that support sustainable coffee-growing practices and farmer cooperatives. Certified coffee for your cowork- ers and loved ones is a great, affordable gift. (The rich flavour of the sustainable Costa Rican Las Nubes is my personal favourite.) Make it memorable I hate to break it to you but maybe your parents are tired of the same #1 Mom and Dad mugs. Get creative and build a personalized calendar that will serve as something functional and sentimental. For only $20, upload those embarrassing childhood photos online through the custom calendars section at fedex.com. Have fun selecting which month will showcase the awkward wedding photo of mom and dad and pick up the calendar at a local FedEx Office store within a week, or have it delivered. Skip the recall item You know it’s bound to happen. A major toy retailer is going to recall the production of their lead-induced toys and gadgets after the New Year. Skip the worry of that occurring to little sister Suzie and opt for something less toxic like the complete DVD series of Planet Earth or Blue Planet, which can be found on amazon.com ranging from $30 - $40. Buy it used Do you find that you have a surplus of clothes, accessories or technologies? Want to start a donation drive? Visit a local church or community centre and donate your gently used items. Then head to a thrift store and make a few inexpensive gift purchases. Find a vintage purse, a classic necklace or a modern top for under $15. iTunes it You know you shouldn’t, but you do anyway. Downloading music or movies from illegal programs and websites has put LimeWire for example, on the forefront of a legal battle to discontinue its service. Put your friend or roommate’s mind to ease and buy a $15 or $25 iTunes gift card which can be found at many local gas stations, con- venience stores or the apple.com/iTunes website. Stocking stuffers Fill those stockings with practical items that nobody particu- larly enjoys shopping for. Check out a local dollar store and buy the mundane yet essential items that are required on a regular basis: a toothbrush, Q-Tips, hairbrush, or hand sanitizer. Sometimes the most inexpensive and basic items happen to be the most valuable and al- ways needed.