FOR the third year in a row, local organizations from Abbotsford and Mission are joining efforts to plan a day of both celebration and reflection. They are coming together to join with activists around the world for One Billion Rising, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. One Billion Rising began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls.
In the words of committee chairperson Deesh Sekhon, this will be “a day to celebrate the inspirational and brave work women around the world are doing to secure women’s and girl’s rights and create better and equitable societies. It is also a day to reflect on the work that remains and remember the many women whose voices go unheard and who continue to be excluded from realizing their full potential.”
The committee plans to showcase the film “Honor Diaries,” featuring nine women’s rights advocates (with connections to Muslim-majority societies) who are engaged in a dialogue about gender inequality. http://www.honordiaries.com/
The entire free event is open to the general public and will begin outdoors (11 a.m.) and move inside (1 p.m.) at The Reach in Abbotsford on Sunday, March 8. It will also be an exciting family day with dance, song, drumming, food, children’s crafts and much more.
The Reach Gallery Museum, GirlKIND Foundation, The Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies at UFV, International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy, Peardonville House, Abbotsford Community Services, Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley, Faculty and Staff Association at UFV, Business and Professional Women (BPW) and Canadian Federation of University Women’s Club are participating.
As inside seating is limited, participants who wish to view the film must register by contacting The Reach at 604-850-8087. For additional information, individuals can speak to one of these committee members: Deesh Sekhon ( GirlKIND) at 604-825-8088; Kris Foulds (The Reach) at 604-864-8087, ext. 112; or Kusum Soni (CICS at UFV) at 604-851-6325.
