Tomorrow marks 25 years since the Montreal Massacre in which 14 women were killed at l’Ecole Polytechnique because of their gender.
Men, women and children continue to gather across Canada to mark the tragic anniversary and help bring an end to gender-based violence.
Flin Flon’s Women’s Resource Centre will host a candlelight vigil on Main Street to help spread the message of equality.
The vigil’s purpose is to “remember all these women,” said organizer Colleen Arnold. “They were killed just because of their gender. With the amount of gender violence that still goes on, we need to work together to end it.”
Arnold hopes to see an end to the violence, though she knows it will be a lengthy journey.
“The candlelight vigils help, but not to the extent that we would like to see,” she said. “Even if you [reach] a few people each year, it helps.”
With each new person reached by stories from the Montreal Massacre, Arnold says the number of individuals who stand against violence against women grows.
“We will stand united to help the community, the nation, the world, to change the views,” she said.
Unfortunately, violent behaviours and attitudes are often passed down from one generation to the next as well as from peers to younger youth.
“We need the adults, older youth and the peers to ensure that kids are aware of this from day one,” Arnold said.
Terms that include “like a girl” – hit like a girl, run like a girl, throw like a girl – are harmful, said Arnold.
“What does that say to our young girls? It’s always been negative and using it as an insult,” said Arnold. “No one should be treated [as] lesser than. Everyone is equal.”
Arnold believes stopping the use of insults such as “like a girl” will help decrease violence and inequality between genders.
“But it takes the whole community getting involved and working together to bring awareness,” she added.
Tomorrow’s vigil will help shine a light on violence against women and gender-based violence.
For those looking to participate, the vigil will be held in the parking lot beside The Bargain Shop beginning at 5:15 pm.
Businesses along Main Street will be participating to help light the way. A live broadcast will also be
heard on CFAR 102.9.
“We all have to make it a priority,” said Arnold. “Everyone needs to come together with an action plan and that they won’t allow gender biases and gender violence.”
