Walking without fear was the theme of this year’s Prescott-Russell Women’s March. On the evening of September 15, women and allies in communities across the United Counties of Prescott and Russell held walks to show solidarity against violence against women and to demonstrate how women deserve to be safe in public places.
In Hawkesbury, Mayor Paula Assaly began the march downtown at the Espace Green Beaver on Main Street. Approximately 30 people – many wearing orange as a show of solidarity – participated and walked along Main Street and John Street to Confederation Park, before returning to the starting point.
Hawkesbury Councillors Lawrence Bogue and Antonios Tsourounakis participated in the march, along with Champlain Township Councillor Violaine Tittley and La Nation Councillor Marie-Noëlle Lanthier. The march – taking place during the final week of the federal election campaign – also saw Parti Libre/Free Party candidate Marc Bisaillon, Liberal candidate Francis Drouin, and Conservative candidate Susan McArthur participating.
The Prescott-Russell Women’s March was organized by Centre Novas CALACS francophone de Prescott-Russell, Maison Interlude House, Leadership Féminin Prescott-Russell, and Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie.
Charles Seguin, a mental health worker who participated in the march, said it is important for men to show their support for the cause. He said men will listen to other men and get the message that violence against women is wrong. His friend Francis Sauve agreed.
“I think it’s a good cause worth supporting,” Sauve emphasized.
Nathalie Labelle said she was participating because women need a voice.
“It’s important to understand domestic violence,” she said.
