November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month and a time to reflect on and take action to end gender-based violence. Throughout November, members of our community are invited to take part in activities and events that raise awareness and show their commitment to creating safer communities for women, girls and gender-diverse individuals. The 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence also start on November 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Here are some events that will be taking place and ways you can get involved:

1. Wear a purple scarf as part of the province-wide Wrapped in Courage campaign. We invite you to take a picture of yourself in your scarf and share it on social media by tagging @BirchwayNiagara.

2. Visit one of the local landmarks that will be illuminated to mark the 16 Days of Activism:

The Port Colborne Cupola: (This landmark will be orange for the entire 16 Days of Activism from November 25-December 10)

Bridge 13 (Welland) (This landmark will be orange and purple on the evening of November 25, orange for the 16 Days, purple for Woman Abuse Prevention Month)

Pelham Arches  (This landmark will be orange for the entire 16 Days of Activism from November 25-December 10)

Niagara Falls

November 2
Niagara Falls will glow purple at 10 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes to mark Woman Abuse Prevention Month.

November 25
The Horseshoe Falls will glow orange from 10:00-10:15 to start the 16 Days of Activism, and the the American Falls will glow purple as well as white for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women (which is also during the 16 Days of Activism). The previous evening, our local Zonta chapters have also requested that the Horseshoe Falls glow orange at 10:00 p.m. as part of their annual Candle Light Vigil.

For all Niagara Falls illuminations, you can visit their live cam link.

3. Attend a flag-raising event to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (November 25-December 10). As events are confirmed in other South Niagara municipalities, information will be added here.

4. Attend Birchway Niagara’s virtual “Lunch & Learn” on November 20 to learn more about the 16 Days of Activism and how YOU can be an advocate.

5. Join the Zonta Clubs of Niagara Falls & St. Catharines as they host their annual Candle Light Vigil at Niagara Falls in anticipation of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Click here for event poster.  (Note: Time has now changed to 9 p.m.)

6. Visit one of the REDDress installations throughout our communities during the 16 Days of Activism. Displayed by the Canadian Federation of University Women and the Niagara Native Friendship Centre, these displays remind us of ongoing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people.

Thank you to our allies at our local municipalities, the Canadian Federation of University Women, Zonta and OAITH for your commitment to raising awareness throughout November and the 16 Days of Activism.