I’d like to keep things on Three Happy Folk light-hearted and fun but sometimes you just have to talk more important things.
Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. While this may not be a day to be celebrated so to speak, it is certainly a day to recognize. Today marks the anniversary of the murders of 14 innocent women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989. They were killed simply because they were women.
Today is a day to reflect on all violence against women and girls, everywhere.
A few years ago I worked at a Safe Visitation Centre with a man who had recently moved to Canada from India. Although highly educated and experienced in social work, he had difficulty finding work here. After yet another possible employer said “We’re looking for someone with some Canadian experience” my new friend became frustrated and made a very valid point: “Beating your wife in India is no different than beating her in Canada.”
The United Nations recognizes violence against women and girls as a violation of the most fundamental human right. Many of us take this take this right for granted, while for too many violence is a daily reality. Please don’t let me single anyone out. Men are also at risk of violent victimization. All violence is unacceptable.
If you are someone living in violence, please please PLEASE reach out for help! Call 911, talk to a friend, your doctor, your local women’s shelter, victim services, a social worker, your religious leader, ANYONE! These people want to help you. This is NOT your fault. You deserve to be safe. If you have children, they NEED to be safe. You can do this!
If you want to take action against violence against women in your community:
- Show your support through wearing a white or purple ribbon.
- Donate money or supplies to a women’s shelter. Sometimes when a woman has to leave a dangerous situation, she does so with only the clothes on her back. Things like toothpaste, clean underwear and deodorant can be worth their weight in gold.
- Support organizations that support women.
- Speak up about violence in your community.
- Teach our girls to empower and protect themselves.
- Don’t forget about our boys! They are part of the solution too. Get them involved.
- Encourage people who commit violence to get help.
- Promote equality
Thanks for reading. Stay safe.
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