On the 36th anniversary of the tragic antifeminist attack that claimed the lives of 14 women at Polytechnique in Montreal, the community came together once more at Place du 6-Décembre-1989 to pay tribute to their memory.
During the memorial event organized by Les 3 sex, the focus was on honoring the victims and acknowledging the ongoing violence faced by women, including those from migrant backgrounds.
Amel Zaazaa, Director of the Observatoire pour la justice migrante, expressed concerns about the rising anti-immigration sentiment that has intensified in recent years, particularly impacting women. She highlighted legislative actions like Bill 94 and Quebec’s new secularism bill, which she believes unfairly restrict women’s choices and represent a setback in gender equality progress.
Flowers were placed at 14 different monuments as a symbol of remembrance for the women who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Heidi Rathjen, coordinator of PolySeSouvient and a survivor herself, voiced frustration over the lack of concrete progress in gun control measures, including the failure to implement a complete ban on assault weapons like the SKS rifle. She emphasized the urgent need to address issues such as large-capacity magazines that pose a threat to public safety.
Zaazaa underscored the pivotal role of feminist activism in driving social change in Quebec, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Mylène de Repentigny-Corbeil, Executive Director of Les 3 sex, highlighted the importance of holding policymakers accountable and pushing for more significant actions to address systemic issues affecting women.
Rathjen directed a message to the government, expressing frustration over the delays in implementing promised measures to enhance gun control and protect vulnerable individuals from firearm-related harm.
