SEVERAL GROUPS that strive to end gender violence are hosting events in celebration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence next week.
The goal is to develop awareness about gender violence in all its forms and to deliver a message of peace: that all our children and women may live in a society free from violence, says Marianne Brorup Weston, community connector for Ksan House Society.
• November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will be the “Stepping Out” Shoe Memorial at the Terrace RCMP detachment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate from noon to 1 p.m. At 3 p.m., dignitaries will speak.
Everyone is invited to bring a pair of girl’s or women’s shoes or boots to be placed at the Shoe Memorial in honour of women affected by gender violence. The shoes will be donated to girls and women in need.
• December 5 – International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development at 7 p.m. at the Skeena Diversity Centre (4617 Lazelle Ave.) and on the same evening the Terrace Women’s Resource Centre hopes to feature the film “Polytechnique” at the Family Place (4553 Park Ave.).
• December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and the Terrace Women’s Resource Centre will hold a Candlelight Vigil at noon at the Family Place to remember the 14 women murdered at Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal in 1989.
• December 10 – Human Rights Day with Ksan House Society and community partners presenting their Peace Float in the annual Terrace Christmas Parade.
The message for 2011 is PEACE:
Promoting personal “response – ability”;
Ending violence against women;
Activating our voices for positive change;
Creating safety in relationships and community;
Engaging together in the spirit of care and respect.
The 16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence events are hosted by Ksan Society’s Counseling and Support Programs – the Sexual Assault Centre, Community-based Victim Services, Ksan Stopping the Violence Counseling & Outreach, Ksan Transition House and the Children Who Witness Abuse Program – and community partners Skeena Diversity Society, Terrace RCMP, Terrace Women’s Centre, Kalum Community School Society and the Terrace Victim Assistance Program.