Nunavut women’s council wants stories, songs, poems for radio project

Women walk in a Take Back the Night march in Iqaluit in 2006, an event held to raise awareness around sexual assault in Nunavut. The Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council says activism is required to eliminate violence against women in Nunavut. (FILE PHOTO)

The Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council is asking Nunavummiut to raise their voices.

Qulliit wants Nunavut residents to take part in an upcoming radio event by submitting stories, songs and poems, the council said in an announcement.

CBC Radio will broadcast them, in a series called “Raising Our Voices,” between Nov. 25 and Dec. 10.

“Join us in the global movement to spread the message that violence prevention is up to all of us,” the council said.

The broadcast event is meant to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence of Against Women on Nov. 25, and Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls on Dec. 6.

“We envision relationships, families and communities where women’s and children’s voices are heard, their rights respected and they can live free of violence,” Qulliit said.

People can send the council their short essays, reflections, experiences, poems and songs to be broadcast throughout Nunavut over the next few weeks.

“What will it take to end violence against women? It will take activism,” Qulliit said.

“Help inspire community members to take positive and powerful action for violence-free communities.”

Qulliit will select 16 submissions to be aired on CBC radio. Each person whose submission is chosen will get $250.

Submissions in Inuktitut, English and French will be accepted by Qulliit until Nov. 20. Call 1-866-623-0346 or email director@qnsw.ca for application forms.