Interactive mural in Vancouver to raise awareness about gender-based violence.
by Kathleen Mary Willis and Steve Beckow
When #MeToo exposed sexual abuse in Hollywood, it soon became an international push forward for all of us to become more conscious of Who We Truly Are, to create new ways to embrace equality.
Below are two episodes of Man Enough, a series created by Justin Baldoni, an American actor, director, and entrepreneur, to “unarm, unlock and undefine masculinity.”
Also, in this post, a new mural in Vancouver that has phone-activated statistics, and an interview by Trevor Noah with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on The Today Show sharing why the feminist movement needs the support of men.
In the first episode of Man Enough, Justin sits down with Prince Ea, Derek Hough, Javier Munoz, Bassem Youssef, and Matt McGorry to have an open discussion about traditional masculinity and why men don’t typically talk.
If Youtube link fails, go to https://hooktube.com/dVsbYas4tVo
In this very frank second episode, the panel discusses male abuse of women and what can be done about it.
If Youtube link fails, go to https://youtu.be/i21xmCbd8iw
New 42-foot Mural Raising Awareness
about Gender-based Violence
Unveiled in Vancouver
By Aurore Laborie, Daily Hive, March 15, 2021
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/mural-vancouver-gender-based-violence
The YWCA Metro Vancouver has unveiled a 42-foot mural created by international artist Ola Volo with a stark message about intimate partner violence in Canada.
Depicting a queen rising with newfound strength, the mural is meant to be a symbol of hope for women experiencing abuse and aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence during the pandemic.
It is titled “The Wall for Women” and is located at the Hyatt Regency, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver, located next to Burrard SkyTrain Station.
The mural’s message comes at a time when domestic violence has intensified with the COVID-19 pandemic’s impactful social crisis and lockdowns.
The federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality Maryam Monsef consulted with various front-line organizations and MPs in April 2020.
The results were that gender-based violence and abuse has risen by 20-30% in some parts of Canada, killing one woman every six days. This has led international organizations such as UN Women to refer to this escalation in violence as a “shadow pandemic.”
“The Wall for Women is a powerful and important permanent installation for Vancouver,” explained Lisa Rupert, Director of Housing and Violence Prevention with YWCA Metro Vancouver.
“Intimate partner violence often remains hidden behind closed doors. We hope the mural raises awareness and funds for YWCA services that support women who have experienced abuse.”
The mural is also interactive with five hidden phone-activated statistics.
Ola Volo is a Canadian mural artist and illustrator from Kazakhstan. She has gained worldwide recognition with commissions for brands such as Starbucks, Louis Vuitton, Lululemon and Volkswagen. She began painting the mural on International Women’s Day, with the help of volunteers.
“I have painted a lot of murals, but this was the first time integrating QR codes within my art.”
“I loved the challenge, and the message is so powerful,” stated Volo. I was honoured to help the YWCA bring the idea to life and to be able to directly help the cause with my work.”
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
What Is a Feminist?
Trevor Noah, The Daily Show, March 14th, 2021
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shares why the feminist movement needs the support of men.
“Men have to be on board. You can change women all you want — if you don’t change men, nothing changes. Because we share the world.”
Chimamanda’s new book: Dear Ijeawele, Or A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Suggestions