Human Rights Day In Vancouver

On December 10, 2016 Global Girl Power Foundation in support of UN Women celebrated Human Rights and to take a stand for more humanity and show solidarity in defending those whose voices need to be heard. Whether it is a refugee or migrant, a person with disabilities, an LGBTQ person, a woman, a child, indigenous people, a minority group or any one else at risk of discrimination or violence.

 

Despite of heavy snowfall and road closures the event was well attended by passionate community members, distinguished speakers and both Provincial and Federal political leaders. The afternoon started by acknowledging the First Nations Coast Salish people whose land the event was held on, followed by the singing of the Canadian National Anthem by Karishma Deo.

 

The guest of honor in attendance was, Canadian National Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan along with Provincial Minister of Justice, Suzanne Anton; UN Women liaison, Kerry M. Gibson; Reginal coordinator of Amnesty International, Don Wright; UBC Student and Community Activist, Abubakar Khan; SFU Student Pooja Patel; CEO of School is Easy, Susan Cumberland; Zee TV reporter, Rishma Johal; slam poetry artist Jesman Punia and Global Girl Power founder Lucky Gill.

 

Sami Ghawi from Eleven09 (eleven-oh-nine) a world fusion rock-pop gave a special live performance of their song "Love Somebody".

  

Minister Sajjan donned orange and lit a candle of Hope & one in memory of women we have lost to violence in support of the United Nations and 16 Days of Activism campaign to end Violence against women which is observed every year from November 25th to December 10. His message highlighted that "when we talk about women's empowerment, it's about making sure that we don't forget to empower our sons. We need to educate them. Men are key to the solution."