Bindura, Zimbabwe 6 December: Today we commemorate the Montreal Massacre, a day to reflect on femicide and conversely to commit to positive masculinity.
On December 6, 1989, Mark Lepine entered École Polytechnique at the Université of Montréal, Canada with the intent to kill women, blaming them for his failure to gain entrance to the engineering programme. Lepine separated students by sex and yelled, “You’re all a bunch of feminists, and I hate feminists!” before firing at the women.
Lepine shot 14 women and injured 10 more before turning the gun on himself. In the aftermath of the killing, many people described Lepine’s actions as the work of a madman, disconnecting the violence from his hateful and misogynistic attitudes toward women. In short, it was not acknowledged that he targeted his victims because they were women, consistent with the definition of femicide.
Every year on December 6, Canadians and feminists around the world come together to honour the victims of what is referred to as the ‘Montreal Massacre’ and other femicide victims in the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women during the Sixteen Days of Activism to End GBV.
As someone who advocates passionately for the development and empowerment of women, people often ask me why this cause is so close to my heart. The answer is both simple and disheartening: the world remains largely dominated by men in positions of power and influence.
Take a look at Africa, for instance. We have only two female presidents: Sahle-work Zwede from Ethiopia, who has held office since 2018, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, who took office in 2021. Last week, Africa made history with just the third ever woman elected to power, Nandi Nentumbu-Ndaitwa in Namibia.
This still leaves a staggering majority of African leadership in male hands. The trend is similar in the economic sphere: Elon Musk is the wealthiest person globally, while Aliko Dangote holds the title in Africa, and Strive Masiyiwa is the richest in Zimbabwe—all men.
Even in my own rural community in Bindura, located in Mashonaland Central province, about 88 km north-east of Harare. the majority of leadership roles and wealth are concentrated in male hands. This dynamic underscores how men have been systematically positioned as the dominant figures in our society.
Unfortunately, this patriarchal system doesn’t merely limit women’s opportunities—it actively contributes to the alarming rise of gender-based violence (GBV).
As women gain awareness of their rights and start advocating for gender equity, many men perceive this as a threat to their masculinity, often leading to retaliation through acts of violence. This reaction stems from a desire for women to submit passively to male authority, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. According to recent data from UNFPA, approximately 1 in 3 women in Zimbabwe aged 15 to 49 have faced physical violence, while 1 in 4 have experienced sexual violence since childhood.
During my community empowerment initiatives in Bindura rural, I have witnessed first-hand the pervasive denial of access to opportunities for women. Patriarchal systems create barriers that limit women’s potential, while men feel free to pursue their aspirations without hindrance. Women often find themselves conditioned to rely on men for critical life decisions, a system that reinforces their oppression.
The current backlash against efforts to combat GBV is deeply troubling. Despite established protocols like the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) from 1979, the Beijing Platform for Action established in 1995, and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, originally signed in 2008 and revised in 2016, progress has been slow. The overwhelming presence of male dominance continues to obstruct these initiatives aimed at dismantling the very disparities that fuel violence against women.
As a young leader committed to gender justice, I have not been exempt from the limitations imposed by deeply-rooted stereotypes and patriarchal control. The struggle for an equitable distribution of care work often inhibits my participation in development programmes—while my male counterparts navigate their pursuits freely.
This is a call to action. It’s time to challenge the embedded systems that hold women back and perpetuate gender-based violence. True empowerment means creating a society where women can thrive without fear of violence or subjugation.
As we reflect on the lessons of the Montreal Massacre, the pressing question arises: what actions can we take to make a real difference? It’s crucial for both men and women to find a shared space where they can coexist harmoniously.
This change begins with those who hold the most influence in society. It is imperative that they take a stand against violence. Men have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this movement against gender-based violence by embracing a positive expression of masculinity. By harnessing their influence and advocating for change, men can help foster a safer and more equitable society for everyone.
One inspiring example comes from President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who championed the concept of positive masculinity during his term as chairperson of the African Union. In 2021, President Ramaphosa organised a pivotal meeting in the DRC focused on leadership and positive masculinity, aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls in Africa. President Ramaphosa is also the only leader I know of who has convened two presidential summits on GBV and femicide, and champions a national strategy on these twin scourges.
This year, South Africa takes over leadership of the G20 – a powerful group of leaders from the global north and south. We call Ramaphosa to extend his positive masculinity initiative to this powerful forum. If presidents can advocate for such vital change, then surely leaders in various capacities—be it ministers, chiefs, village heads, church leaders, or husbands will follow the cue. This will turn the Montreal tragedy into a powerful new vision of the future.
(Rita Tiriboyi is a WOSSO fellow. More on the role of men in promoting gender equality can be found in this chapter of the Africa Women’s Political Participation Barometer)