Olivia Chow, MP

Women’s Rights: We Are Not Going Back!

MP Olivia Chow Takes Strong Stance for Women’s Rights in Parliament

September 26, 2012

OTTAWA – As the Conservatives are attacking women’s reproductive rights and a series of sexual assaults is rocking Toronto, MP Olivia Chow stands up for women across Canada. With a strongly worded statement in Parliament, Olivia is making it clear that women’s rights and safety are not negotiable.

Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. In Toronto and beyond, women are organizing and fighting back.

Transcript:

Ms. Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, recently in downtown Toronto there have been 12 sexual assaults. That is 12 sexual assaults on women and the women of Toronto are fighting back. One woman, Anni, gathered hundreds of people at Christie Pits to reclaim their space. Deb from Toronto Rape Crisis Centre brought together thousands of women to take back the night. Stephanie, Heather and Kasia organized take back the block parties to raise awareness. I want to thank all their efforts.

Together we have a message. A woman has the power to say no to sexual violence. Women have the power to dress and walk in any way they want and anywhere they want. A woman has the power to decide when and if she will have a child and does not need state control. A woman has the power to live without fear in her heart.

All of us must look out for each other and work together to stop men’s violence against women, let us start now.