After a quantity of assaults on Black, Muslim women in Edmonton, A mannequin new initiative goals to make women really feel protected whereas out and about Inside The metropolis.
Edmonton SafeWalk is A mannequin new program by Sisters Dialogue, a grassroots group That currents culturally protected areas and assists for Muslim women and women. This method provides a buddy system for Muslim women, particularly Black women, As quickly as they’re strolling round or working errands Inside The metropolis.
“The idea People are protectedr in quantitys and on strolling collectively,” said Aisha Ali, board member at Sisters Dialogue.
Ali said the program was created in response to the assaults on Black, Muslim women Inside The metropolis over the previous Number of yrs.
3:49A new pilot program goals to assist Muslim women Who’re apprehensive about their protectedty
A new initiative goals to make the streets protectedr for racialized women in Edmonton. SafeWalk is a pilot program launching this weekend. Native grassroots group Sisters Dialogue is behind it, and Aisha Ali is a board member.
A Somali Canadian woman was attacked in June final yr, a Black, Muslim woman was attacked in northeast Edmonton on New Year’s day, and Ali said There are A lot of others that escaped headlines.
“Of All of the factors Which have been occurring in the direction ofs Muslim women, Notably Black Muslim women, There was an elevated sense of fear and hyper vigilance within our group,” she said.
In closed women-solely teams on Fb, Muslim women shared Tips To maintain themselves protected, collectively with maintaining private alarms, asking about carrying pepper spray or carrying sticks whereas Happening strolls.
Sisters Dialogue heard the considerations and decided to do one factor. This method works by pairing a Muslim woman with a volunteer who will accompany them whereas out on a stroll or working errands.
The volunteers for the program are chosen by way of a rigorous course of, Ali said. They are interviewed by Sisters Dialogue and EFCL And want to current a felony doc look at.
“Additionally they Bear some teaching simply To make sure thOn They are not inflicting extra harm to the weak People that attain out in Looking for assist,” she said.
Although SafeWalk is Aimed in the direction of defending Black, Muslim women, Ali said the program is open to anyone who Desires to really feel protected whereas going out into The metropolis.
The pilot of the program launches in Northeast Edmonton communities like Bannerman, Fraser and South Clareview.
This method launches on Saturday (June 17) On the Bannerman Community League hall with a group bazaar showcasing Muslim women-owned local companies and free halal meals.