Forgot your password?
May, 1rst: the Charter enters in Canada
“Another World Is Possible” was the message I shared with more than 17,000 people across the country. After coming back to Toronto, I have realized that not only does the feminist movement live, but that it has a fierce and vibrant energy that has allowed young feminists like me to find my place among the lines of solidarity.
Beginning in Vancouver to receive the Women’s Global Charter for Humanity and the quilt from our sisters in the USA, the day was an emotional one. My journey had seemed like a dream in my head, fantastical and impossible; That is until I saw them with my own two eyes. They were a beautiful assortment of colours, cultures and voices. They were virtuous and strong, creating a presence in the room that demanded reverence.
With this feeling, I carried the Charter and the quilt to Yellowknife, where the reality of poverty for Aboriginal and First Nations women is an everyday nightmare. Winnipeg was my next stop, where children and their parents, childcare providers and service providers met me with great cheers in preparation for our march to the Legislature building to celebrate the recent budget announcements about childcare. Ottawa was a jam packed day of early morning discussions, a fantastic rally and a reception at Parliament Hill where many organizations lobbied women’s caucuses to take action on our demands. The issue of Violence Against Women was discussed in Moncton at a dinner. My final stop in beautiful Quebec City was a voice-losing-fist-pumping-dancing-until-your-shoes-wear-out kind of day. Joined by 15,000 people we marched in solidarity on the principles of the charter: Freedom, Solidarity, Justice, Peace and Equality. It was the perfect way to see the Charter and quilt off to Turkey."
Text written by Tonika Morgan who was sponsored by the YWCA to carry the Global Charter for Humanity from event to event.
Listen to Tonika in Québec city on May 7, 2005.
PICTURES:
Welcoming the Charter at the United States border.
See the video made by Working TV.
 |
 |
 |
 |
... and in Vancouver
 |
 |
| |
 |
 |
