THUNDER BAY – WOMEN’S ISSUES – Take Back the Night, the international grassroots movement to raise awareness about the systemic issue of violence against women, is once again being held in Thunder Bay. The Gender Issues Centre (Lakehead University Student Union) is organizing the event which will take place on Friday November 4th from 6-9:30pm at the Urban Abbey, 308 Red River Road.
This event presents an opportunity for people to come together and share their stories, receive healing, and feel empowered. This evening is also for everyone in the community to make a statement that violence is an issue that affects everyone and it must end.
A number of community partners and speakers will be present to share stories and services. Speakers will include: Jayal Chung (Honouring Our Stories Coordinator), Nivie Dhami (Pride Central Coordinator), Joy Wakefield (Legal Aid Ontario Staff Lawyer), Farah Ahmed (Racialized Young Professionals), Sharon Johnson (Full Moon Memory Walk), and Sherrie-Lee Petrie (Gender Issues Centre coordinator). There will be music by Outside the Lines.
At approximately 7:30pm, the empowerment march will take place. There will be a discussion group held during this time for anyone who feels that it would be more fitting to take part in conversations about allyship.
Following the march, Jayal Chung will be facilitating a space for zine-making. Recognizing the heaviness of events such as Take Back the Night, Dr. Jen Chisholm (Women’s Studies: Lakehead University) will be offering a restorative yoga session at the end of the night for anyone who is interested in joining. This will be a gentle yoga, with no previous experience necessary.
Child-care will be available.
