A community walk to raise awareness about violence against women and children is being planned for Valentine’s Day.
Powell River will join communities around the world on February 14 as women participate in the One Billion Rising peace walk coordinated by V-Day International. V-Day is the organization created by playwright Eve Ensler who wrote The Vagina Monologues. The word “billion” refers to the one billion women who are survivors of abuse.
“Statistics from the United Nations are that one in three women on the planet will be beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime,” said CaroleAnn Leishman, local organizer of the peace walk. “We definitely see that in Powell River, whether it’s known or women speak about it or not. It happens here.”
Leishman has been involved with the V-Day movement since starting to stage productions of The Vagina Monologues in 2001, which she’s produced three times to sold-out audiences.
“Part proceeds go to the local community and we donated to the Transition House Society and the rest of the proceeds go to V-Day International where they build half-way houses for women and they do a lot of work trying to get women out of abusive relationships or even worse,” she said.
The peace walk is for any women or men who basically think along the same lines as there’s no need for violence, said Leishman.
“We’re asking people to wear a red item of clothing and they can bring signs with messages of hope and encouragement. We’re looking for a positive future where there’s less and less violence.”
The V-Day organization continues to grow. “Ensler has this whole global movement,” said Leishman. “She’s constantly writing and making appearances and travelling around the world trying to spread the word about some of the atrocities that are happening.”
Organizers of the walk are asking women to strike, walk out, dance in the streets and walk to send a positive message of unity to women and that they’re standing up and saying no violence.
The walk will begin just after noon on Thursday, February 14 at Willingdon Beach, regardless of the weather. Walkers will continue along Marine Avenue to Duncan Street, up to Joyce Avenue then down Alberni Street back to the beach.
For more information readers can contact Leishman at [email protected] or visit the Facebook site One Billion Rising - Powell River for more information.
