Canadian ambassador, and embassy clerics and Female boxers from Canada, Egypt, and Europe pose for an image during the event held by the Canadian embassy in Cairo.
The event carries a profound significance as it also commemorated the victims of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal, one of Canada’s darkest moments.
On 6 December 1989, a gunman entered the École Polytechnique de Montréal, separated the men from the women, and brutally murdered 14 young female engineering students.
The attacker specifically targeted them for their gender, blaming feminism for his grievances. The tragedy shocked Canada and the whole world, highlighting the devastating consequences of misogyny and gender-based violence.
“Tonight, as we light up the Official Residence in orange, we remember these women and recommit to ending gender-based violence and the misogyny that allows it to persist,” said Ambassador Shannon.
About more than medals!
Moreover, the celebration honoured female boxers from Canada, Egypt, and Europe who recently participated in a groundbreaking training camp. Those exceptional athletes exemplify resilience and defiance of stereotypes.
The boxing camp, organized by Egyptian-Australian coach Sally Hassouna through her Impact Academy, brought together female boxers from diverse backgrounds to hone their skills and foster camaraderie.
“These women are not just competing for medals,” Shannon noted. “They are advocating for inclusion in male-dominated sports and lifting each other in and out of the ring. Their determination shines as brightly as the sun of Cairo,” he expressed.
The evening also reflected on the enduring friendship between Canada and Egypt, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Ambassador Shannon praised this collaboration as an example of how nations can work together to effect meaningful change.
While the night highlighted progress and hope, Shannon also drew attention to the ongoing gender violence challenges in conflict zones such as Gaza and Sudan.
“Canada strongly condemns these conflicts and is deeply concerned by the prevalence of gender-based violence,” he said.
“But tonight is about more than crises—it is about resilience, solidarity, and sustainable change.”
The ambassador’s residence glowed in orange, the campaign’s signature colour, symbolizing global solidarity against gender violence.
Guests left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the transformative power of sports and international cooperation in the fight for equality.
Ambassador Shannon speaks at the event.
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