Dozens showed up in Western University honoring the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The memorial was held to commemorate the Montreal Massacre on Dec. 6, 1989.
“I have my own responsibility to change things, to address the misogyny and the heat that comes up in small ways in our daily lives,” said Ken Coley, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering in Western University.
Reading the details of how the massacre unfolded, Coley said it has reinforced his belief, “we’re all responsible to make these small changes that will change the world.”
Fernanda Pereira, President of Women in Engineering, said she felt the responsibility to honor the women of pain before them by advocating for growth and driving change.
“I attended the December 6 Memorial last year and left extremely moved,” said Pereira. “I felt incredibly proud to be a woman in engineering and grateful for the people who have paved the way to make my experience as a woman in this field so welcoming.”
Pereira explained her anger with the fact that injustices in the field, although improved, are still present.
“It is ultimately in the organization’s own best interest to prevent gender-based violence,” said Barbara MacQuarrie, the community director of the Center of Research and Education on Violence Against Women.
“It is in our collective request to end gender violence, reducing and eventually eliminating the personal, social, and economic cost of burdens of gender violence or benefit of all of us,” said MacQuarrie, “We will also benefit from the contradiction contributions of women and gender diverse folks.”
Fernanda Pereira emphasized the importance of making changes. “We believe the intention for this growth is there in each and every one of you,” she said.
“We ask that you work on heightening your awareness for situations when someone in your class, on your team, or in your workplace, maybe marginalized,” said Pereira. “Don’t let perfect get in the way of good. Any small action you take is impactful.”
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