Canadian Ambassador to Egypt Ulric Shannon hosted a poignant event at his residence last night to mark the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The evening not only highlighted the global fight against gender violence but also commemorated a tragic event in Canadian history, the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal.
Remembering the École Polytechnique Victims
On December 6, 1989, a gunman entered the École Polytechnique de Montréal, separated the men from the women, and killed 14 young female engineering students in an act of gender-based violence. The massacre, which targeted these women solely because of their gender, shocked Canada and the world, bringing attention to the destructive power of misogyny.
“Tonight, as we light up the Official Residence in orange, we remember these women and recommit to ending gender-based violence and the misogyny that allows it to persist,” said Ambassador Shannon during the event. The official residence was illuminated in orange, the campaign’s symbolic color, representing global solidarity against gender-based violence.
Celebrating Resilience through Sports
The event also honored female boxers from Canada, Egypt, and Europe who recently participated in a groundbreaking training camp. These athletes, representing diverse backgrounds, exemplify resilience and defy stereotypes in the traditionally male-dominated world of boxing.
The training camp, organized by Egyptian-Australian coach Sally Hassouna through her Impact Academy, brought together talented female athletes to hone their skills and foster unity. Ambassador Shannon praised the boxers’ strength, stating, “These women are not just competing for medals. They are advocating for inclusion in male-dominated sports and lifting each other in and out of the ring. Their determination shines as brightly as the sun of Cairo.”
Canada-Egypt Partnership and Global Solidarity
The event also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the strong friendship between Canada and Egypt, highlighting the fruitful cooperation between the two nations. Ambassador Shannon acknowledged the collaborative spirit between the countries, emphasizing how nations can work together to effect meaningful change.
However, the ambassador also addressed the ongoing challenges of gender-based violence in conflict zones, such as Gaza and Sudan. “Canada strongly condemns these conflicts and is deeply concerned by the prevalence of gender-based violence,” Shannon said. “But tonight is about more than crises—it is about resilience, solidarity, and sustainable change.”
A Night of Reflection and Hope
The evening reflected on the progress made in the fight for gender equality while acknowledging the challenges that remain. The attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the transformative power of sports and international cooperation.
In a night filled with remembrance and celebration, the Canadian Embassy’s event reinforced the global movement to end gender-based violence and empower women everywhere.
