In honour of December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

By R. Metalin (Manager, Professional Learning)

On December 6, 1989, 14 young women were murdered at Montréal’s École Polytechnique because they were women. Each year, Canadians pause to remember not only these victims, but all who have suffered gender-based violence. In this spirit, Because They Were Women by historian Andrée Lévesque offers a powerful and necessary exploration of women’s lives, resilience and struggles for equality in 20th-century Québec.

Lévesque, one of Canada’s leading feminist historians, illuminates the stories of women who challenged restrictive social norms, fought for autonomy and confronted the systemic injustices that shaped their daily lives. Drawing from diaries, letters and archival material, she gives voice to women too often left out of history — factory workers, activists, artists and mothers who refused to be silenced. The book does not focus solely on the Montreal Massacre, but rather situates that tragedy within a broader context of women’s resistance and empowerment across decades.

For educators, Because They Were Women is a deeply relevant resource. It invites students to consider how gender-based violence and discrimination have shaped Canadian history and continue to inform contemporary conversations about equality and justice. It can be used to connect historical inquiry to themes of human rights, social movements and civic             responsibility — core values at the heart of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center’s educational mission.

Recommended Age Group:

This book is best suited for senior high school (Grades 11–12) and postsecondary readers, particularly in courses on Canadian history, social justice or gender studies. While the historical material is highly engaging, the thematic complexity and occasional mature content make it more appropriate for older students.

Content Warnings:

The book includes descriptions of sexism, gender-based discrimination, and violence against women, including reference to the École Polytechnique massacre. These sections, while handled sensitively and historically, may be emotionally difficult for some readers. Educators may wish to provide space for discussion and reflection when addressing these themes.

Ultimately, Because They Were Women is both a tribute and a call to action — a reminder of the courage of those who paved the way in previous generations and an invitation to build a world where equality and dignity are shared by all.

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