Men and women of Nelson: I’m torn this evening. While I was inspired by the women and girls who gathered at Self Design High on February 9 to support the Women’s Center and the worldwide event One Billion Rising (a movement fighting violence against women), I was also a little disheartened by the lack of male presence.
Perhaps partaking in dance workshops isn’t that appealing to men; perhaps there wasn’t enough encouragement for men to join the cause; perhaps men didn’t realize the inclusivity of the event. Whatever the case may be, it needs to be made clear to the females of Nelson — and around the world — that there are men who are willing to stand up with you, to work to end the violence and the oppression that you’ve had to endure for centuries at the hands of men. I’m one of them, and I know there are many more.
If you are one of those men, I encourage you to show your support by attending the One Billion Rising event on V-Day, February 14 at The Royal (5 to 8 p.m.). And women: let the men in your life know how welcome and encouraged they are to stand alongside you.
There are now 200 countries around the world signed up to dance and stand up to violence against women. It’s time to end the treatment of females as second-class citizens. It’s time to reflect and consider how we think and talk about females. It’s time to take a stand against people who disrespect females with their language or actions.
This is not a cause by women for women. This is a cause for everybody, because humanity and the world will be a much better to place to live when balance is restored. On February 14, will you rise?
Carlo Alcos
Nelson