About 200 people demonstrated in Chute-à-Blondeau on Wednesday, September 16 that violence against women cannot be tolerated in any community, no matter the size.
The 19th Prescott and Russell Women’s March was held that day in the village. Each year, the demonstration takes place in a different community across the region. The march is organized by women’s organization Centre Novas and other partners.
Centre Novas Executive Director Martine Lanthier said the gathering was meant to show continued determination for women to be safe in all spaces.
“We affirm that all women and girls have the right to live in a world free of violence,” she said.
East Hawkesbury Township Councillor Monique Desjardins, representing the host municipality for the 2026 march, said violence against women unfortunately extends beyond the local community, and it is important for women to know what resources are available.
Remarks were also delivered by Member of Provincial Parliament Stéphane Sarrazin and United Counties of Prescott and Russell Warden Mario Zanth.
The Warden noted it is “crazy” that violence against women is still an issue of concern in 2026, even though the first “Take Back the Night” march in Canada was held in 1978, and advances have been made in following 48 years. Zanth said only 50 per cent of incidents of sexual assault or intimate partner violence worldwide are reported to law enforcement authorities.
“I want our young girls and women to group up without constantly needing to protect themselves,” Zanth said.
Other local municipal leaders participated in the march, including Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Lefebvre, Alfred and Plantagenet Mayor Yves Laviolette, Hawkesbury Councillor Jeanne Charlebois, and Hawkesbury Councillor Julie Séguin.
Women’s March participants gathered at the Chute-à-Blondeau Community Centre before proceeding along the Main Street of the village and then returning to the facility.
Photos: James Morgan
