Furthermore, On December 6th, we observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, created in tribute of the victims of the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre. In a tragedy that shook the country, fourteen young women in Montréal were killed in a gender-based hate crime, their lives taken for no reason besides the fact that they were women. These are their names: 

On December 6th, you are invited to wear a white ribbon to commemorate their lives and show solidarity with all those who have experienced gender-based violence. 

Along with those whose deaths have received national and international observation, we remember the victims of violence who remain unknown or who have not been publicly recognized. Many of us can think about of our own family and friends, as approximately 64 percent of Canadians know a woman who has experienced abuse at some point in their life (Canadian Women’s Foundation, 2022).  

At this time, we must also consider ways in which we can combat gender-based violence. Supporting survivors is the first and most important step we can take. Even if you think that you don’t know a survivor, it is statistically likely that you do, so it is important to think about how even your actions and comments may impact those around you. Make sure that people within your circles know that they will never be met with blame or judgment if they choose to confide in you about their experience with gender-based violence. The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education at York provides student with an opportunity to learn how to respond to a disclosure of sexual violence.

Secondly, I believe that to shift our culture away from the acceptance of violence against women, we must redefine masculinity. Masculinity is often associated with courage, strength, and leadership and many people see these qualities as needing to be affirmed through violence and aggression. However, masculinity does not need to be defined by the ability to overpower others.