GRANquinte, a member of the Grandmothers Advocacy Network, is asking the community to join them in participating in the United Nations Orange the World campaign against gender based violence.
The campaign starts on November 25, and continues for 16 days until December 10.
Local chair Sharon VanClief says that issues of violence against women haven’t seen much improvement lately, domestically or abroad.
“I have to say we can’t really say it’s getting better. Here in Canada, domestic violence and violence against intimate partners doesn’t seem to be lessening,” said VanClief. “Around the world, we’re looking at situations like Iran where women are having to protest against the violence they experience in everyday life. There’s child marriages still going on. There’s femicide around the world. There’s female genital mutilation. There’s rape as a weapon of war. I can’t say that things have improved that much. But we will not give up.”
GRANquinte is holding an event at the Belleville library on November 23 between 10 a.m. and noon, and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., where those interested can purchase signs for their lawn.
GRANquinte is also partnering with the Belleville Senators who will be showing support for the campaign during their scheduled game at CAA Arena on November 25, and will be holding a silent auction in support of the organization. They will also be donating part of the auction’s proceeds to GRANquinte.
