UFCW Canada Local 1006A activists, members and staff participated in the Take Back the Night rally and walk in Brampton’s Gage Park on September 15, 2016.
As WIN members marched down the street, they chanted 'Tonight's the Night to take back the night,' 'Safety is our right/women claim the night,' and 'Whose Streets? Our Streets.'
“Ending gender-based violence will take each and everyone of us coming together and taking action,” said President Wayne Hanley. "Our participation in Take Back the Night is about raising awareness, and making our voice heard on this issue which affects so many women and families across this country. Our daughters, sisters, wives and mothers have the right to be safe whether they are walking down the street, at work or in their homes and as a union, we are committed to doing what we can to be a powerful force for change in ending all forms of violence against women.”
Glacier Effs-Samuel, Local 1006A recorder and Coordinator of the WIN Coordinator, organized the local union’s participation and served as one of the MCs for the event.
“It was amazing to see so many of our members, activists and staff come out for this very important event —thank you to everyone who participated. Together, we will help end violence against women.”
Annie Sundar, a Local 1006A Executive Board member, said women should have the right to go out at night without fear.
“You should be able to live without fear, whether you are taking the bus home, walking down the street, or going about your life. You shouldn’t have to look over your shoulder all the time.”
Executive Board member and activist Caroline Brisebois participated and had this to say about the event: "A lot of people take it for granted that the violence is not happening but it is there, and it is happening. There are a lot of women who feel isolated and sometimes, we find out too late. It was empowering to be on the streets with the other women. It was strange to march at night when it is dark. By marching, we are taking the night back, and saying you don’t have the right to hurt us."
Maria Shouman, another activist, was also among those who participated.
“I want women to know there are so many resources out there and people ready to help"
