Forty years later, BWSS remains committed to ending gender-based violence through our direct services, education and training, advocacy and push for institutional and systemic reform.
Our 40th year is a time for reflection, commemoration and acknowledgement of the decades of work and resistance that began with a few women in 1979.
This year our work continues strong as we are prepare for a four-day conference and trade show, launch our podcast “And Still We Rise” and commemorate our 40th year and International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with a powerful speaker. Scroll down for the details you don’t want to miss…
And Still We Rise Podcast
This innovative podcast looks at how women and femmes are taking action on gender oppression from an intersectional lens. Host Angela Marie speaks with activists, advocates, survivors, law makers, politicians, academics, bureaucrats and reporters. Profoundly west coast, it’s about the action underway toward addressing and redressing some of the most pressing social issues facing people today.
Listen to the first episode here!
Feminists Deliver Conference and Trade show
BWSS is pleased to be part of Feminists Deliver, a convening of grassroots feminist organization from across the province of BC who have come together to create a parallel conference to Women Deliver from June 3-6, 2019.
On May 10th 2019, on behalf of the provincial government, Parliamentary Secretary Mitzi Dean announced $200,000 in funding to support the Feminists Deliver conference and trade show taking place at 312 Main St. Vancouver, Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Registration for the conference is available here via Eventbrite. To learn more about Feminists Deliver visit feministsdeliver.com
Save the Date:
BWSS 40th Anniversary with Tarana Burke at the Orpheum Theatre, November 25, 2019
BWSS is thrilled and honored to announce Tarana Burke will speak at our 40th anniversary commemoration on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th, 2019 at the Orpheum Theatre.
Tarana Burke
#MeToo is not just an overnight hashtag sensation; Tarana Burke has dedicated more than 25 years of her life to social justice and to laying the groundwork for a movement that was initially created to help young women of color who survived sexual abuse and assault. The movement now inspires solidarity, amplifies the voices of thousands of victims of sexual abuse, and puts the focus back on survivors. Tarana’s continued work with the ‘me too.’ movement has earned her the honor of being named The Root 100‘s most influential person of 2018.
She is now Executive Director of the ‘me too.’ organization. On stage, she provides words of empowerment that lift up marginalized voices, enables survivors across all races, genders, or classes to know that they are not alone, and creates a place for comfort and healing to those who have experienced trauma.
Get on the list!
To receive updates and information on when tickets will be available email endingviolence@bwss.org
My Sister’s Closet – Commercial Drive
Thank you for all your support in making the My Sister’s Closet Pop Up a success! Because of your support shopping and donating we are now on the Drive in our permanent location, 1830 Commercial Drive in Vancouver.
My Sister’s Closet at 1830 Commercial Drive is open, 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm.
Gathering Our Voices
Summer-Rain, Manager, Indigenous Women’s Program at BWSS spoke at Gathering Our Voices Youth Conference held in Vancouver. Sponsored by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. Her presentation focused on gender-based violence, stolen sisters, the pain of the families and loved ones of those who have gone. Her powerful speech is available to watch below.
How to Support Refugees Facing Intimate Partner Violence
The BC Refugee Hub held a training webinar covering support services for refugees and refugee claimants facing intimate partner violence with our Rosa Elena Arteaga, Manager of Direct Service and Clinical Practice at BWSS as the trainer.
Topics Covered in the webinar:
- Introduction to Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence in Refugee Communities
- Key Issues and Challenges
- How to Support Individuals Facing Domestic Violence
- Supports and Resources for Refugees and Refugee Claimants Experiencing Domestic Violence
Access the free training here.
