More than 30 people came to show that women who have suffered from domestic violence are not alone and not forgotten at a candlelight vigil and red sand ceremony.
Presented by Soroptimist International of the 91原创s and Ishtar Women鈥檚 Resource Society, the annual vigil, known as Shine a Light, was held Monday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fort 91原创 Community Hall courtyard.
Shine a Light has been held locally since 2005 to remind communities everywhere that women face violence in all areas of the world, including 91原创.
Held on Nov. 25 to mark the 19th year of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it has become a global initiative for governments, organizations, and NGOs to organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the ongoing issue facing women around the world.
Shirley Stewart, public awareness chair for Soroptimist International, said right from the start, the mission of their vigil has always been awareness.
鈥淪oroptimist International of the 91原创s and Ishtar Women鈥檚 Resource Society formed a relationship and thought that we need to make sure that the rest of the community knew about the plight of women and girls in our community,鈥� Stewart explained. 鈥淭hat was the reasoning behind the first vigil and it鈥檚 continued every since.鈥�
Participants were given battery-operated candles to symbolize women who have suffered from violence, whether it was in memory of someone specific or as a way to show support.
Speakers ranged from Mayor Val van den Broek, Township Councillor Margaret Kunst, and Cloverdale-91原创-City MP Tamara Jansen, who stated 鈥渙ne in three women and girls experience physical and sexual violence in their lifetime.鈥�
Read More: Candlelight vigil shines a light on domestic violence in 91原创
Ishtar representative Laurie Parsons gave a speech, asking 鈥渨hy women were the one鈥檚 expected to uproot and leave their home when there is violence present.鈥�
The Red Sand Project was incorporated into the vigil to symbolize all of the women who have fallen through the cracks in their process of requesting help.
The project was started by artist and activist, Molly Gochman at Art Basel, and has been a part of the Shine a Light vigil for the past three years.
Participants were handed packets of red sand and encouraged to fill the cracks of the Community Hall sidewalk.
Stewart said attendance has been increasing over the years, with more and more men taking part in the vigil 鈥� a fact that gives her hope that change is happening.
鈥淚t鈥檚 sad that we have to have them, but I think it鈥檚 reassuring to those who may be in a situation that might need help or want the support emotionally or physically,鈥� Stewart added. 鈥淚t鈥檚 reassuring and empowering.鈥�
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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