WHY HALF MAST TODAY

Half-masting is a gesture of respect and mourning. National flags are flown at half-staff or half-mast as a sign of honor on solemn occasions. They do so by lowering the flag to a position halfway between the top and bottom of the flagpole.

Why is the Flag at Half-Mast Today?

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls

On December 6th, the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls is commemorated. The date serves as a solemn reminder of the 14 young women murdered in 1989 at École Polytechnique, a Montreal engineering school.

Honouring the victims of the École Polytechnique Massacre

We honor the victims of this tragedy and recommit ourselves to ending violence against women and girls. Every year, flags are flown at half-mast across Canada to commemorate this tragic event and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. It is a day to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality and a world free from violence against women and girls.

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

Violence against women and girls is a global problem of epidemic proportions, affecting one in three women worldwide. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women are killed, raped, assaulted, or otherwise abused. Everyday acts of discrimination and violence, both overt and subtle, take a profound toll on women’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Significance of Half-Masting the Flag

By lowering the flag to half-mast, we demonstrate our collective grief and outrage over this senseless violence. We also send a clear message that we will not tolerate violence against women and girls in any form. Half-masting the flag is a powerful symbol of our commitment to ending this scourge.

What Can We Do to Help?

There are many things we can do to help end violence against women and girls. We can:

• Educate ourselves and others about the problem
• Challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination
• Support organizations that work to end violence against women and girls
• Speak out against violence when we see or hear it
• Be an ally to women and girls who are experiencing violence

Conclusion

Half-masting the flag is a solemn reminder of the work that still needs to be done to end violence against women and girls. It is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made and to recommit ourselves to the fight for gender equality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why is the flag at half-mast today?

A1. The flag is at half-mast today to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls.

Q2. What is the significance of half-masting the flag?

A2. Half-masting the flag is a powerful symbol of our collective grief and outrage over violence against women and girls. It also sends a clear message that we will not tolerate violence against women and girls in any form.

Q3. How can I help end violence against women and girls?

A3. There are many things you can do to help end violence against women and girls, such as educating yourself and others about the problem, challenging gender stereotypes and discrimination. supporting organizations that work to end violence against women and girls, speaking out against violence when you see or hear it, and being an ally to women and girls who are experiencing violence.

Q4. What is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls?

A4. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls is an annual event held on December 6th to commemorate the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, in which 14 young women were murdered at École Polytechnique. The day is also used to raise awareness about violence against women and girls and to call for action to end it.

Q5. What is the Montreal Massacre?

A5. The Montreal Massacre was a mass shooting that occurred on December 6, 1989, at École Polytechnique in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. A lone gunman, Marc Lépine, shot and killed 14 women and injured 13 others before committing suicide. The massacre was a horrific act of violence against women and girls and is still remembered as one of the darkest days in Canadian history.