On Friday Sept. 28 the Golden Women’s Resource Centre (GWRC) is inviting you to join them in saying “no” to violence and take back the night.
“Take Back the Night is an event that happens internationally. It raises awareness for safety concerns that a lot of women have after dark, whether it’s when they’re jogging in the evening, or leaving the bar at night,” said Linley McLean, executive director of the Resource Centre.
“It’s to raise awareness around that, but also to develop some empowerment around that as well.”
Participants will meet in the Spirit Square at 6:30 p.m. There will be a procession across the Pedestrian Bridge, down the path along the river, over the traffic bridge on 10th Avenue, and down 9th Avenue North back to Spirit Square.
“This year we changed the route because that unlit part along river is a place where we’ve been told some women feel unsafe,” said McLean.
At the Spirit Square there will be some entertainment. The Metis Jiggers will be speaking and performing, as will the Amuse Troupe.
“We like having them (Amuse Troupe) incorporated in the even because there’s that element of light when they spin fire,” said McLean.
In the past few years there have been some incidents of violence in Golden, and the number of reports from people being drugged has increased says Mclean. Even though Golden is a fairly safe community, she thinks it can always improve.
In the past this event has been for women only, but this year the centre decided to open it up to the entire community.
“We think that everyone has a role to play in creating safety in our community. It’s not just women who experience violence,” said McLean.
Take Back the Night is also welcoming a special guest this year. Member of Parliament David Wilks will be at the event to make an announcement regarding Status of Women Canada funding.
Everyone is welcome to attend, and there will be discussion and socializing in the Taps Pub afterward.
