Amy MacDonald, a first year engineering student from Ottawa, ON, has received the 2023 Memorial Scholarship for Women in Engineering. This scholarship is presented annually by StFX on December 6th to honour the female engineering students who died on December 6, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal.
StFX Dean of Science Dr. Joe Apaloo made the presentation to Ms. MacDonald.
“It’s really an honour to receive,” says Ms. MacDonald on the memorial scholarship, which aims to improve equity for women studying in the STEM fields.
Ms. MacDonald, already active on campus in her first semester in both the Engineering Society and the Women in Engineering Society, says the award means a lot especially as it encourages women in engineering, who have traditionally been underrepresented in the field. She says she hasn’t felt this way at StFX and that it is good to see things move in this direction, especially as we remember the horrific events of December 6th and work to achieve gender equity.
On December 6th, the flags at StFX flew at half-mast, to honour and remember the tragic and senseless act of violence on December 6, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique that claimed the lives of 14 young women. The devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced in achieving gender equality and combating gender-based violence. It is also a grim reminder of the work that still needs to be done towards fostering a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and free from discrimination.
More information about Dec 6th , the National Day of Remembrance and Action against Gender Based Violence and resources can be found at https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/national-day-remembrance.html
