“We are not going to get quieter,” advocates vow at march to end gender-based violence

The voices of protesters echoed through the streets of Halifax on a cold but sunny winter afternoon as demonstrators marched down Barrington Street on Wednesday, Feb 19, culminating in a gathering at Grand Parade. Chants of “End the silence, end the violence,” “No excuse for abuse,” and “Education is prevention; systemic failures must be mentioned” rang out as the Together We Rise marchers made their way to the steps of Grand Parade.

Silhouettes of women lost to gender-based violence stood proudly on the steps, a haunting reminder of the reason for the rally. Roses lined the snowy steps, and empty red dresses fluttered in the cold wind. Premier Tim Houston, despite being invited in advance, was notably absent. His decision to schedule bill briefings at the same time as the rally did not go unnoticed, with his absence being deeply felt and mentioned repeatedly throughout the event.

One of the prominent voices at the rally was Lynn Gallant-Blackburn, whose sister Paula was murdered by her husband in 2007. Gallant-Blackburn shared her sister’s story and emphasized the need for meaningful action to address gender-based violence. She highlighted the fact that violence against women, often at the hands of men, knows no boundaries and must be confronted with urgency.

Nova Scotia has seen a recent surge in femicides, but gender-based violence is not new to the province. Despite efforts to address the issue, progress has been slow. Advocates like Gallant-Blackburn and others have been pushing for systemic change, demanding government action, and honoring the victims of gender-based violence.

NDP leader Claudia Chender also addressed the crowd, calling out the government’s reluctance to take meaningful action on issues like non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual harassment and discrimination. She reiterated her party’s commitment to introducing legislation to address gender-based violence and provide funding for front-line workers.

Survivors like Wyndolyn Brown and Liz LeClair shared their experiences and called for an end to the silence surrounding domestic violence. Brown emphasized the need for awareness and empowerment to break the cycle of violence, particularly in communities facing systemic barriers like the African Nova Scotian community.

The rally concluded with a powerful song by Leslie Monaghan, highlighting the need for solidarity and action to prevent further loss of life due to gender-based violence. The lyrics captured the determination and resilience of those gathered, committed to standing up against violence and advocating for change.

The voices heard at the rally echoed a shared message: silence is no longer an option when it comes to addressing gender-based violence. The call for action, accountability, and support for survivors reverberated through the streets of Halifax, a reminder that the fight against gender-based violence is far from over.