By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Last night, Burlington City Hall became a beacon of hope and unity as members of the community gathered for a moving candlelight vigil hosted by Burlington Ubuntu Grandwomen. The event was organized to raise awareness about violence against women, with the theme, “Safe, Anywhere, Anytime,” as part of the Orange the World campaign, a global initiative dedicated to ending gender-based violence. This resonated deeply with the audience and set the tone for an evening of reflection and solidarity.
The vigil began with a heartfelt welcome from Elizabeth Rennie, founder of Ubuntu Grandwomen. Since its inception in 2006, the Burlington Ubuntu Grandwomen group has been devoted to fostering a safe and vibrant community, driven by the vision of creating a brighter future for the next generation. Their unwavering advocacy for the rights and safety of women has earned widespread commendation within the Burlington community.
Attendees of all ages stood together in solidarity, many dressed in orange to symbolize their shared commitment to the cause. The soft glow of candlelight on the cold, dark Monday night illuminated the faces of those gathered, serving as a poignant reminder of the community’s strength and resilience.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward made heartfelt remarks, highlighting the importance of addressing gender-based violence at every level of society.
“Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in her home, her workplace, and her community,” Meed Ward stated. “Events like this are crucial because they remind us of the work that remains to be done. They provide an opportunity to remember the victims, honour the resilience of survivors, and renew our shared resolve to end violence in all its forms.” Her words set the stage for an evening that balanced sombre reflection with a sense of purpose and hope.
Music played a significant role in fostering a sense of unity throughout the vigil. Rev. Dave Ogilvie of the Burlington Baptist Church offered a series of uplifting songs that encouraged attendees to reflect on their collective strength and the power of community action.
One of the evening’s most powerful speakers was Inspector Crystal Dodds of the Halton Regional Police Service. Dodds oversees critical units such as the Intimate Partner Violence Unit, the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit, and the Human Trafficking Unit.
Dodds delivered an astonishing account of the prevalence of gender-based violence in the region. “Tonight, we unite our voices to say: violence has no place,” Dodds began. “This year alone, our officers have investigated over 3,600 cases related to intimate partner violence, leading to more than 1,700 charges. These numbers are staggering, but they only scratch the surface of the issue. Behind every statistic is a real person — a survivor who deserves justice and support.”
She emphasized that while the police response is vital, prevention through education and community partnerships is the key to breaking the cycle of violence. “We work around the clock, every day of the year, to ensure that victims receive the support they need,” she said. “But this is not a problem we can solve alone. It requires all of us — educators, community leaders, parents, and young people — to stand together and say, ‘Enough is enough.’”
The evening’s most poignant moment came when a high school student stepped forward to bravely share her personal story of being assaulted at a young age. Her testimony shed light on the pervasiveness of violence and the urgent need for societal change.
“Anywhere, anytime is a simple message, but it feels impossible to achieve,” she said, her voice steady despite the weight of her story. “We live in a world where women are taught to be on guard at all times — to double-check who’s behind them, to dress modestly, to avoid certain places. But even with all these precautions, violence still happens. I was only five years old. Should I have been more careful on a school bus?”
“Safety should not be a privilege but a right,” she concluded. “It means teaching respect and fostering equality. It means creating a world where women don’t have to live in fear, where we are valued and respected simply for being human.” Her words were a powerful testament to the community’s ongoing support and commitment to change.
Wrapping up the event, Linda Rafuse, chair of Ubuntu Grandwomen, emphasized the importance of using one’s voice to advocate for change. Quoting Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai, she said: “We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced…When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”
Rafuse urged attendees to channel the power they hold as individuals and as a community to effect change.
“The voices of our young people must resonate in our community and across societies,” she said. “We must speak up, speak out, and make our voices heard. Together, we can and will leave this world a better place.”
The event concluded with a renewed call to action, urging attendees to speak out against violence, advocate for survivors, and create a culture of respect and safety.
The flicker of candles in the night symbolized hope, resilience, and a future free from violence — a future where women can live with dignity and without fear. From advocating for survivors to supporting local organizations and pushing for systemic change, the message was clear: everyone has a role to play. The event served as a powerful reminder that change begins with collective action and an unwavering belief in the possibility of a safer, more equitable world.
For more information on the Burlington Ubuntu Grandwomen, visit https://www.thebug.ca/
