In Canada there were silent marches to support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

December 21 2011, category: Clitoraid NEWS


In late November Canadian volunteers of the Clitoraid association organized silent marches in the streets of Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver to support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and continue working for the repair of female genital mutilations.

The Canadian winter weather did not deter hundreds of enthusiastic people supporting the cause from walking throughout the country with dignity on Sunday, November 27th.

"Violence against women is still a reality today." Sylvie Chabot (coordinator of the Canadian Clitoraid branch) said . "Of all forms of violence, female circumcision is still the most widespread and people are not indifferent to this fact."

During the event the women were quietly walking in the center of the group to the sound of Tibetan bells, each holding a flower in their hands (the Gerbera, the symbol of Clitoraid), while the men, walking around, were collecting donations from those who wanted to contribute, holding banners, showing posters and brochures and answering questions from the passers-by who stopped for a few moments to feel the "profound" atmosphere.

"This action has a powerful impact on witnesses but those to whom it does the greatest good are the participants." Sylvie Chabot added. "Walking silently in a city on a Sunday winter afternoon and feeling the impact of such harmony around us fills our hearts and consciences and warms us up."

"Let’s fight against excision and go on silent marches! Let’s all participate in raising awareness! It does us a lot of good because we were designed this way!" Sylvie Chabot said.

Canadian Clitoraid volunteers invite people who want to help and work for the cause to contact them and follow the news of the association on its website (www.clitoraid.org) and its facebook page (Clitoraid). "Events are regularly held throughout the year and all support is welcome." Sylvie Chabot concluded.