Regional Flag Raising - Wednesday, November 25

The Niagara Region will be hosting a "Wrapped in Courage" flag raising ceremony on November 25th at 11:00 a.m.

Location: Niagara Region Headquarters 1815 Sir Issac Brock Way

Municipal Flag Raisings - Wednesday, November 25

Show women experiencing abuse that they are not alone by joining your local municipality at a "Wrapped in Courage" flag raising on November 25. Each of these municipalities has also passed a proclamation declaring November 25th the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, demonstrating their commitment to ending gender-based violence.

9 a.m. - Port Colborne (City Hall - 66 Charlotte St)

1 p.m.  - Niagara Falls (City Hall - 4310 Queen St.)

1 p.m. - Pelham (Meridian Community Centre - 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill)

1:30 p.m.- Welland (City Hall - 60 East Main St.)

2:00 p.m. - Wainfleet (Town Hall - 31940 Hwy #3)

2:30 p.m. - Fort Erie (Fort Erie Town Hall, 1 Municipal Centre Dr.)

Various local landmarks will be illuminated to raise awareness during Woman Abuse Prevention Month including:

Niagara Falls 

November 1 - From 10 p.m. - 10:15 p.m., the Canadian and American Falls will glow purple in recognition of Woman Abuse Prevention Month. Anyone wishing to join Birchway Niagara for a photo during the illumination should meet Birchway Niagara staff (look for the purple scarves) at 9:50 p.m. near the river-facing entrance to Table Rock.

You can watch the livestream of the illumination by clicking here.

Pelham

November 25 - The Pelham Arches will be illuminated purple in honour of Woman Abuse Prevention Month and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Welland

November 25 - Starting at dusk, Welland bridge 13 will be illuminated orange in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Candlelight Vigil

Date: Tuesday, November 24

Hosted by: Zonta Clubs of Niagara Falls and St. Catharines

Location: Table Rock - 6650 Niagara Parkway

For more information, visit Zonta's Facebook page.

Remembrance Vigil on The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women honouring the students who were killed at École Polytechnique on December 6, 1989

Date: Sunday, December 6

Time: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hosted by: CFUW St. Catharines

Location: Welland Canal pathway between Lock 1 and Lock 2 (Between Linwell and Scott Streets)

Further details to be confirmed. Visit https://cfuwstcatharines.org/ for more information as it becomes available.

Virtual Lunch & Learn - Tuesday, November 3 (noon-1 p.m.)

Guided by this year’s UNiTE campaign theme, “Ensure justice, protect survivors, end impunity,” we will explore what justice can look like beyond the courtroom, the barriers survivors may face when seeking help, and how individuals, organizations, and communities can contribute to meaningful change. Topics will include:

• The 16 Days of Activism and this year’s campaign theme
• Survivor-centred justice, safety, and support
• Barriers survivors may face when seeking help
• The connection between online and offline gender-based violence
• Practical ways to be an ally and support prevention
• Local community events and opportunities to take action during the 16 Days and beyond

This session is for anyone interested in learning about preventing gender-based violence, supporting survivors, and creating safer, more accountable communities.

Email Samantha Forbes at samanthaf@birchway.ca to reserve your spot.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Welland and District plan to display red dresses in various locations in Niagara. These installations, inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black, acknowledge and pay tribute to the many Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Each red dress represents a life lost and reminds us of the ongoing impact of the colonialism on the lives of Indigenous women and girls. 

Dresses will be on display during the 16 Days from November 25 to December 10 in the following locations (more may be added as confirmed):

Wainfleet Library - 31909 Park St, Wainfleet (indoor display)

Wainfleet Town Hall - 31940 Hwy #3

Meridian Centre - 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill (inside building)

Red dresses will also appear in outside locations in Ridgeville and Fenwick.

Breakfast to End Gender-Based Violence - Tuesday, November 3 - 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Gillian's Place is once again planning to host their annual pancake breakfast at Market Square in St. Catharines. Visit their Facebook page for more details and make sure not to miss this great community event.