MISSISSAUGA — Powerful chants, supportive honks, and an atmosphere of solidarity filled the streets around the Malton Community Centre Thursday evening as women and gender-diverse people came together for the fourth annual Take Back the Night rally. The event highlighted the ongoing fight against gender-based violence and the demand for safe public spaces for all.
The evening began with a smudging ceremony led by Tabitha Shurgold, cultural resource program coordinator at the Indigenous Network. Using tobacco, cedar, sage, and sweetgrass, the ritual helped participants clear negative thoughts, honour mothers, and spiritually ground themselves before the march. Shurgold followed with a traditional welcome song accompanied by drumming, setting the tone for a night of empowerment and unity.
Leading the march was Rebecca Pacheco, coordinator at the Peel Committee Against Women Abuse (PCAWA), who has organized the event since its inception. “When I start the chant and hear the response from the people marching with me, it’s an electric feeling. The energy is tangible. I can almost see it,” Pacheco said, describing the march as a moment that recharges her spirit despite the challenges of organizing it each year.
Mississauga Ward 5 Councillor Natalie Hart emphasized the importance of reclaiming public spaces. “It’s about community feeling safe in public spaces,” she said. “Women have every right to feel safe getting to and from work and going about their daily lives.”
Attendee and Family Services of Peel member Nicole Taitt noted that for some, financial struggles can make it harder to leave unsafe situations. “With inflation and other things, some people allow it (violence) because at least you have somewhere to sleep at night and something to eat,” she said. “But I hope that people can build the strength in them to know that it’s not OK.”
The rally also featured powerful spoken word performances and a contemporary dance piece by Frog in Hand, symbolizing breaking free and reclaiming power. Community support organizations including the Black Health and Social Services Hub Peel, Roots Community Services, Armagh Transitional Supportive Housing, Embrave, PCAWA, and ACHEV were present, providing information and resources.
Monica Vu-Boukayli, team coordinator at Embrave: Agency to End Violence, urged survivors to persist in seeking help. “The first call is an important call, but it shouldn’t be the last one. Sometimes the first call is difficult because resources aren’t available at that time. I know it shouldn’t be up to the person to keep calling — but keep trying, because we’re all here,” she said.
The event concluded with a renewed call to action: safety is a right, not a privilege, and the community must come together to protect and empower those most at risk of violence. Survivors seeking support can contact Embrave’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 905-403-0864 or 1-855-676-8515, or visit pcawa.net.