Sheridan recognizes National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

In honour of the 14 female mechanical engineering students killed at Polytechnique Montreal in 1989 in an act of gender-based violence, Sheridan recognized the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (also informally known as White Ribbon Day) with a variety of activities on all three campuses, from December 4 – 6. 

The week began with a Day of Awareness marketplace on Monday at Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga, which highlighted resources and supports available both on and off campus to the Sheridan community. External organizations provided programming, intervention and resources on intimate partner violence, anti-human trafficking, sexual violence, and more. Over 100 community members visited the marketplace and engaged with the various booths. Peer mentors facilitated outreach activities and hallway connections at both Davis and Trafalgar campuses.  

The conversation continued with a Day of Action on Tuesday, where students were encouraged to challenge gender-based violence through participating in a pledge and engaging in conversations with peer mentors at each campus. The community was invited to participate in the White Ribbon Draw-The-Line (DTL) workshop to talk about gender-based violence, learn about the root causes, challenge common myths and develop the skills and capacity to engage in prevention efforts. DTL also equips bystanders with information on how to intervene safely and effectively. 

A Day of Remembrance was held on Wednesday at Davis Campus and streamed to a virtual audience. Peer mentors laid 14 roses in the Peace Garden in honour of each of the women killed 34 years ago. Two additional roses were laid in honour of all victims of gender-based violence and the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people. 

The community was invited to pledge their support with a bold call to action: I pledge never to commit, condone, or stay silent about violence against women.