CEO Neelam Sahota on DIVERSEcity’s empowerment programs for women facing violence
“DIVERSEcity is committed to empowering women, particularly immigrant women of myriad cultures, understand their right to build safe lives, free of emotional and physical abuse.”
Today is Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, marking 30 years since 14 women were murdered at École Polytechnique Montréal in a gender-based attack.
From coast to coast, vigils will be held tonight, with Canadians laying roses and lighting candles in memory of the young women who lost their lives on December 6, 1989. Holland Park in Surrey is the location of one of the vigils tonight at 6 pm, with many others around Metro Vancouver.
“This violent massacre of 14 women 30 years ago shocked this nation and changed the way we talk about violence against women and the women’s movement,” says Neelam Sahota, CEO, of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey, BC. “Today is a day to remember the loss of these women. It’s also a day to rededicate ourselves to ending gender-based violence, which continues to be all too prevalent today, harming the lives of women, families and society as a whole.”
DIVERSEcity champions the end to violence against women and supports women survivors through its multilingual, free programming, including its Stopping Violence Counselling program, Domestic Violence Survivors Outreach Group, Journey to Resilience Support Group for Women, and its new employment program for women survivors of violence H.E.A.L. for Work Program.
“Through these programs, DIVERSEcity is committed to empowering women, particularly immigrant women of myriad cultures, understand their right to build safe lives, free of emotional and physical abuse,” says Neelam. “We will forever champion women’s equality and continue to take actions and develop programs to challenge gender-based violence.”
Are you a woman facing violence who needs support? Contact us at 604-597-0205 or email counsellingservices@dcrs.ca or heal@dcrs.ca.