From November 25th to December 10th, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) are taking part in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. This international campaign aims to raise awareness about the many forms of violence experienced by women and girls, as well as to promote concrete actions to end it.
One of the key moments during this period is December 6th, Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, held in memory of the 14 women murdered at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989. Closer to home, we commemorate the 11 women and the 3 children who have lost their lives in Prescott and Russell since 1975.
The UCPR are also participating in the White Ribbon Campaign, the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls. It is with pride that the elected officials of the UCPR are wearing the white ribbon throughout these 16 days. This symbolic gesture reflects their commitment to being allies in the fight against gender-based violence. You may see them in the community, wearing the ribbon with conviction.
“I proudly wear the white ribbon to say no to violence against women and girls. It is important to mobilize to end gender-based violence. I therefore invite our communities of Prescott and Russell to participate in this campaign in order to raise awareness and in order to support solutions to eliminate this inacceptable violence. I invite men and boys to wear a white ribbon during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. I also invite the residents of Prescott and Russell to take part in a vigil ceremony in the region,” expressed Yves Laviolette, Warden of the UCPR.
The vigil ceremonies, organized by the Prescott-Russell Coalition to End Violence Against Women (the “Coalition”), will be held on December 6th in three of the municipalities of Prescott and Russell. They will serve as moments to remember, mobilize, and support survivors. Please visit the Coalition’s website for full details.
Together, let’s make our region of Prescott and Russell safer, more equitable, more united, and more compassionate for all.