The province of Manitoba paused for a moment of solemn reflection on Thursday, December 4, 2025, as a sunrise ceremony was held at the legislative building in Winnipeg. The event marked the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a day dedicated to honouring victims and renewing the commitment to end gender-based violence.
A Solemn Gathering at Dawn
The early morning ceremony brought together community members, advocates, and officials at the heart of provincial governance. The timing of the event—at sunrise—symbolized hope and a new beginning in the ongoing struggle against violence targeting women and girls. This annual observance serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains to create a safer society for all.
The Significance of December 6th
While the ceremony was held on December 4, the national day is formally recognized on December 6. This date commemorates the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, where 14 women were murdered in a targeted act of misogyny. The day has since evolved into a broader call to action to address all forms of violence against women, from domestic abuse to systemic discrimination.
A Continued Call for Action
The ceremony in Winnipeg is one of many held across Canada, underscoring that violence against women remains a critical national issue. Events like these aim to:
- Honour the lives of those lost to gender-based violence.
- Show support for survivors and their families.
- Mobilize communities, governments, and individuals to take concrete steps toward prevention.
The gathering at the Manitoba legislature reinforced the message that remembrance must be coupled with sustained action and policy change to address the root causes of violence.
As the sun rose over Winnipeg on December 4, 2025, participants left with a reinforced resolve to turn remembrance into a catalyst for building a future free from violence against women.
