Dalhousie University’s Sexton campus bore witness to a poignant commemoration led by the Women in Engineering group, paying homage to the victims of the École Polytechnique mass shooting. The event marked the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a date dedicated to reflecting on the tragic incident that shook Canada in 1989.
In a solemn and touching ceremony, a gathering united in front of the memorial plaque, as fourteen women laid down single white roses, each flower signifying a victim of the harrowing tragedy. The École Polytechnique mass shooting claimed the lives of fourteen women, all targeted solely because of their gender. This heart-wrenching event, which took place at a Montreal-based engineering school, remains a stark reminder of the pervasive gender-based violence that persists.
Dalhousie’s commemoration, orchestrated by the Women in Engineering group, went beyond remembrance; it underscored the imperative for action against gender-based violence. Gina Park, a fifth-year electrical engineering student, addressed the crowd, reflecting on the lost potential of the victims while urging attendees to transform remembrance into tangible action.
“As we honor their memory, let’s acknowledge that remembrance alone isn’t enough. I challenge each of us to contemplate how we can actively combat gender-based violence worldwide,” Park declared at the vigil.
The poignant ceremony unfolded with twelve engineering students, a nursing student, and an administrative staff member consecutively extinguishing candles, symbolizing the fourteen lives lost. Each participant was then presented with a single white rose, emblematic of the memory and legacy of the fourteen women.
The annual vigil at Dalhousie serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell École Polytechnique and the need for continuous efforts to eradicate gender-based violence. Beyond solemn reflection, the event ignites a commitment to collective action, urging individuals to champion change and create a world free of violence against women.
