What you can do to remember gender-based violence victims on Dec 6

This Friday, December 6th, marks the 30th annual National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women. It is also the 35th anniversary of the tragic École Polytechnique massacre. Activist groups are organizing events across the city to honor the memory of the 14 women who lost their lives during the Polytechnique mass shooting, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of gender-based violence. The National Day of Remembrance is part of the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from November 25th to December 10th.

According to the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report in 2023, gender-based violence is a public health emergency that requires community-based solutions. Several organizations are leading the efforts to combat gender-based violence through community-focused initiatives. Here are some of the organizations hosting events on Friday to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance:

Candlelit Vigil at the Public Gardens:
A candlelit vigil will be held at the Public Gardens on Friday, December 6th, starting at 4:15 pm. Organized by Avalon and The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, the vigil aims to remember the victims of the Polytechnique shooting and to stand against gender-based violence. Participants will receive candles at the Public Gardens fountain and then proceed on a 1.8km march. The event will include moments of reflection, singing the “Strong Women’s Song,” a two-minute silence, and a white carnation ceremony. Afterward, participants will walk to the Cathedral Church of All Saints for additional activities.

Vigil and Speakers on Cathedral Lane:
Another candlelit vigil will take place at Cathedral Lane in Halifax at 4:15 pm. Hosted by Survivors for Change and Empowerment Nova Scotia, Kristina Fifield Trauma Therapy, Can’t Buy My Silence, Shelter Movers Nova Scotia, Persons Against Non-State Torture, and Bryony House, the event will feature guest speakers discussing the epidemic of gender-based violence. The Great Hall within the Cathedral Church of All Saints on 1340 Cathedral Lane will host this event, with food and beverages available for attendees.

Dalhousie University Ceremony:
The Dalhousie Women in Engineering Society will host a Remembrance and Resilience Ceremony at the Irving Oil Auditorium on the Sexton Campus to honor the victims of the École Polytechnique shooting. Flags at Dalhousie University will fly at half-mast, and a space will be designated inside the Arts and Administration building for sharing stories of the victims. A bus will depart from King’s College at 4:15 pm, stopping at the Arts and Administration Building on Dal’s Studley Campus before proceeding to the Sexton Campus ceremony. Bus tickets are available for attendees.

These events serve as important opportunities to remember the victims of gender-based violence, raise awareness about this critical issue, and unite the community in working towards a future free from violence against women. Let us come together on this National Day of Remembrance to honor the lives lost and to commit to creating a safer and more equitable society for all.