“I’m not feminist, I have never fought against men.” Nathalie Provost

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the commemoration of the murder in the name of “fighting feminism”, in 1989, of 14 young women and of ten others who got injured, at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.

On this day Canadians are encouraged to keep a moment of silence and to wear a white ribbon (or a purple ribbon) as a commitment to end violence against women.

In addition to commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked Canada and the entire world, December 6 represents an opportunity to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity 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. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

November and December are important months for raising awareness of gender-based violence around the world. In addition to the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women takes place on November 25 and marks the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, which ends on December 10, with the International Human Rights Day.

These are the names of the young women who lost their lives in the name of feminism on December 6 in 1989.

The 25-year-old murderer told a shopkeeper, before the tragic event, that he was going to play a “small game”. He had previously been denied admission to the École Polytechnique and later he began thinking that it was the fault of the women working in positions traditionally occupied by men. Before he opened fire, he shouted: “You’re all a bunch of feminists, and I hate feminists!”. One student, Nathalie Provost, protested: “I’m not feminist, I have never fought against men.” He shot her anyway.

He said :”Would you note that if I commit suicide today it is not for economic reasons… but for political reasons”, “Because I have decided to send the feminists, who have always ruined my life, to their Maker … I have decided to put an end to those viragoes.”

This unfortunate event spurred many campaigns to end male violence and there was much international solidarity.

Today in Montreal we can find a vibrant and growing feminist movement, with older women determined to mentor younger generations.