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‘Mighty roar’ planned after 5-minute silence at Richmond vigil

"We tried to think of a statement that would show women taking back ownership of their territory, of their space and of their lives"
CHIMO
Several women’s groups are hosting a vigil in Richmond next week to raise awareness about violence against women.

There is nothing like a loud and powerful roar at a vigil to show the strength of women coming together and raising awareness on violence against women issues, according to Susan Johnsen.

A “mighty roar” will make the final statement at the end of the vigil being held in Richmond on Dec. 6, said Johnsen, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Richmond’s issues committee.

“We tried to think of a statement that would show women taking back ownership of their territory, of their space and of their lives,” said Johnsen, adding that the idea came from the lyrics of the song “I am woman, hear me roar” by Helen Reddy.

“I thought … a mighty roar will be able to show that women are powerful, that they’re ready, willing and able to take their space in society, and that they will stand up for each other.”

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, 65 per cent of Canadians know at least one woman who has experienced a form of gender-based violence.

CFUW Richmond is collaborating with CHIMO, Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives and the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre to host the vigil at Richmond’s library square Monday at 11:45 a.m. in conjunction with UN’s 16-days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The event will start with a group walk around Richmond City Hall at noon, followed by five minutes of silence and a “mighty roar” at the end.

Monday, Dec. 6 marks the 1989 Montreal Massacre where 14 female students were murdered at École Polytechnique in Montreal, hence, the date chosen for the vigil.

The Canadian government recently included a “historic investment,” in its 2021 budget, of $601.3 million over five years, which will be used to advance a new national action plan to end gender-based violence across the country.

The plan includes 100 policy recommendations, listed by civil society organizations, for the federal government to address the issue.

“I think that it is a huge step in the right direction to release targeted funding. The research is done and the recommendations exist,” said Johnsen.

“It’s about these policies being enacted at various levels of government now.

“Those of us who are in a fortunate position of not being directly touched by this topic can and should support making our community a healthier place for (all of) us.”

Anyone who finds themselves in need of help can contact the CHIMO crisis line at 604-279-7070 (open every day from 8 a.m. to midnight).