Arlene Phillips is a victim of bullying.
She says it happened during her election bid for a seat on city council.
Phillips told the story about how she was approached at a public forum by two men and a woman who started a conversation with her. She said during that conversation, the men crossed their arms and pushed up against her as a form of intimidation.
The former council candidate said she stood her ground, and the conversation ended.
She spoke with emotion about the confrontation, with the men and women who had gathered at the Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre prior to Saturday's local Women’s March.
The march focused on health, safety and representation for women.
The global theme for this year’s march was #womenswave.
Phillips encouraged women to have a strong voice, to step up and respect one another.
“That is very key messaging that needs to be out there. We don’t need to put each other down. We need to build each other up. We’re all very capable people, and we all have very different gifts and abilities. It is amazing when you recognize and tap into those different skill sets, what can be accomplished,” said Phillips.
The walk also raised awareness about sexual and gender-based violence.
“We want to focus on how people can actually get together after this and become action oriented toward gender equality issues,” said organizer Mary White, of Amelia Rising.
Dozens braved the extreme cold weather to march.
“This says to me that people care about gender equality so much, that they’re willing to come out here in the cold, to show their support.”
The first march took place on January 21st, 2017 the day after US President Donald Trump’s inauguration, as a global protest against his vulgar comments about grabbing women.
See: Local Women's March tomorrow is part of a worldwide protest
One of those marching locally was Lorin Young, who was joined by her young daughter and partner.
Young organized the first march in North Bay.
“I’m American, transposed to Canada and so it was really important for me to protest Trump, and stand up for women’s rights. We need to continue to advocate for that every year, if not every day,” said Young.
“I’m here to support women, support marginalized communities as far as their health, access to care, reduce violence, et cetera. And if we can get young people interested in affecting change, that is going to make the biggest long-term difference. “
Another speaker, Jasmine Joanisse brought awareness about sexual child abuse and the social issues and depression that can go along with that.
“This day is about women and equality and rights,” said Joanisse.
“The main reason I went into social work is to bring more awareness to these kinds of issues. There are so many children who don’t have anyone to support them, and to me, that is one of the most important things a child needs, and we can raise that awareness through this walk.”
The National Women’s Association of Canada encouraged supporters to wear red scarves to help raise awareness regarding the disproportionate violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada.
Mat Tremblay walked alongside his mother, keeping his friends in mind.
“I’m here to offer support. I work very closely with Amelia Rising. I work with the Metis Nation of Ontario, and we have a very strong cultural belief in respecting women and I’m here to support women in our community in any way I can,” said Tremblay.
Once again this year, around the world, tens of thousands of women and their supporters took their message to the streets.
