To celebrate ‘International Women’s Day’ 16 women gathered at the corner of Bay and Bloor between 4:30 – 5:30 PM carrying placards that read:

‘SAY NO TO SEXUAL SLAVERY EVERYWHERE’

‘BRING HUMAN TRAFFICKING OUT OF THE SHADOWS’

‘HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS MODERN SLAVERY’

‘HUMAN TRAFFICKING SHAMES US ALL’

A young man walked back and forth on Bay St, then reticently came over to me. “I may not look it”, he said pointing to his long hair, “but I do care what happens to women. I don’t want them hurt.” As I thanked him for the courage to stop, he smiled then walked away with his head held high.

Others greeted with “‘Happy International Women’s Day”, or thanked us for taking a stand.

Every year members and friends of CNWE – Catholic Network for Women’s Equality – gather at Bay and Bloor to protest violence against women in its many forms. All are welcome!