YWCA presents Christmas Market for Change

AS part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign and also to raise funds, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Trinidad and Tobago is hosting a special pop-up market at the end of the month.

The event, titled Christmas Market for Change: Empowering Voices, will take place on November 30 from 10 am-5 pm at the YWCA office on Gordon Street, St Augustine.

The market will feature the YWCA’s signature In Her Shoes campaign to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

Indira McFarlane-Lee, treasurer and board member of the YWCA, told Newsday that the exhibition is set to showcase shoes symbolising the voices and experiences of those affected by domestic abuse.

“Each pair of shoes tells a story, reminding us that every survivor’s journey is unique. All people deserve to be heard, seen and understood. In Her Shoes is a powerful reminder that we must listen to these stories and stand together for change,” McFarlane-Lee said.

“The goal of this campaign is to not only raise awareness of gender-based violence but also encourage a compassionate approach – one that listens, supports and empowers,” she added. She urged the public to join the NGO in the fight against violence, noting the event promises to be an exciting day for the entire family.

The event will include activities, food, and shopping opportunities, free face painting for children and a free legal clinic for those seeking legal advice.

There will also be a variety of art, crafts, fashion, jewellery, thrift items, and more.

“The event will also serve as a fundraising opportunity for the YWCA’s ongoing efforts to support community change and continue the fight against gender-based violence,” McFarlane-Lee said.

“A portion of the proceeds will go toward local initiatives, programmes, and advocacy. We believe that everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves to live a life free from violence.”

The YWCA of TT is part of the global network of the World YWCA, which spans over 100 countries, all united in their mission to eliminate violence against women and girls and to advocate for gender equality and justice worldwide.

According to the UN Women website, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.

UN Women is a UN organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The campaign was launched in 1991 by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute and has since been used as an organising strategy by people and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign and also to raise funds, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of TT is hosting a special pop-up market at the end of the month.

The event, titled Christmas Market for Change: Empowering Voices, will take place on November 30 from 10 am-5 pm at the YWCA office on Gordon Street, St Augustine.

The market will feature the YWCA’s signature In Her Shoes campaign to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

Indira McFarlane-Lee, treasurer and board member of the YWCA, told Newsday that the exhibition is set to showcase shoes symbolising the voices and experiences of those affected by domestic abuse.

“Each pair of shoes tells a story, reminding us that every survivor’s journey is unique. All people deserve to be heard, seen and understood. In Her Shoes is a powerful reminder that we must listen to these stories and stand together for change,” McFarlane-Lee said.

“The goal of this campaign is to not only raise awareness of gender-based violence but also encourage a compassionate approach – one that listens, supports and empowers,” she added. She urged the public to join the NGO in the fight against violence, noting the event promises to be an exciting day for the entire family.

The event will include activities, food, and shopping opportunities, free face painting for children and a free legal clinic for those seeking legal advice.

There will also be a variety of art, crafts, fashion, jewellery, thrift items, and more.

“The event will also serve as a fundraising opportunity for the YWCA’s ongoing efforts to support community change and continue the fight against gender-based violence,” McFarlane-Lee said.

“A portion of the proceeds will go toward local initiatives, programmes, and advocacy. We believe that everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves to live a life free from violence.”

The YWCA of TT is part of the global network of the World YWCA, which spans over 100 countries, all united in their mission to eliminate violence against women and girls and to advocate for gender equality and justice worldwide.

According to the UN Women website, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.

UN Women is a UN organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The campaign was launched in 1991 by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute and has since been used as an organising strategy by people and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.