The Montreal Massacre brought a tragic, national spotlight to the issue of gender-based violence. In the aftermath of that day, Parliament designated December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women and many other groups mobilized to recruit, welcome, and include women in the engineering profession.
Below is a list of resources to learn more about activities remembering the lives lost, programs advancing women in engineering, and action that can be taken against gender-based violence.
- Polytechnique Montreal - Each December 6, Polytechnique solemnly remembers the 14 women who were murdered on that date, as well as the additional victims, and their families. This year, they are releasing a book, Because They Were Women (Ce jour-là — Parce qu’elles étaient des femmes) as well as holding a light beam ceremony on Mount Royal. At 5:10 pm, the exact time that the first shots were fired, 14 light beams will shine over the Montréal skyline. As the names of each of the 14 women who were killed is said aloud, a beam of light is lit in their honour. After a minute of silence, a 150-person choir will sing two musical pieces to conclude the ceremony. In addition, fourteen engineering universities across Canada will each shine a beacon in solidarity.
- Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation – In the wake of the massacre, the Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation was created to support the advancement of women in the field of engineering.
- The Ontario Network of Women in Engineering - ONWiE works collaboratively to support current female engineers, students, and encourage the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering.
- The Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology - The WinSETT Centre is an action-oriented, non-profit organization that aspires to recruit, retain and advance women in science, engineering, trades and technology (SETT).
- The Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology - CCWEST is national coalition of individual members and groups from across the country who advocate for a diverse and inclusive Canadian Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (SETT) workforce.
- NSERC Chairs for Women in Science and Engineeringing - The CWSE was launched in 1996 to increase the participation of women in science and engineering, and to provide role models for women active in, and considering, careers in these fields.
- 30 by 30 - Engineers Canada's 30 by 30 initiative has a goal of raising the percentage of newly licensed engineers who are women to 30 per cent by the year 2030.
- Engineer Girl - This website is designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women.
- The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Status of Women Canada)
- White Ribbon Campaign -In 1991, a group of men in Toronto stepped forward to found the White Ribbon Campaign – men advocating to end all forms of gender-based violence. They are now an international organization, hosting events such as Walk a mile in her shoes, and are actively working to promote gender equity, healthy relationships, and a new vision of masculinity.