The words of the women in at the International Women’s Day protest in San Cristobal, Mexico in Liana’s article echo with a terrible familiarity here in Canada. “We are the voice of those who are no longer with us,” and “Fight today so we don’t die tomorrow” could be the rallying cries of women protesting against the many forms of violence against women that persist in Canada, but they seem particularly apt for the dangers Indigenous women face.
Almost two years after the publication of the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, it is difficult to see change.
The red dresses from artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project that appeared across the country and internationally are a visual reminder of the many women who are mourned. But the theme for International Women’s Day in 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge, and the #MeToo movement certainly showed the power and potential for change.
As we pray, Glory to God, whose power working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Advent and Christmas in a time of war: the Four Last Things