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Real Life Wonder Woman: Gladys Radek
Who is Gladys Radek?
Gladys is originally from the Gitksan Wet su it ten territory, Moricetown, British Columbia. In 2001, after experiencing systemic racism against her by British Columbia security guards, she filed and won a law suit, setting a precedent and changing the polices for all security guards in British Columbia. However this is not the only way that Gladys has proven that she is a force to contend with.
Why She Inspires Us:
Gladys has co-organized four major walks to raise awareness for the women who are murdered and go missing nationwide. Of these women, at least 70% to 80% of them are First Nations women. This year, the March for Missing and Murdered Women began on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, and provided a unique, social activist spin to the commercialized day. Valentine’s Day is not only about heart-shaped chocolates but also about the love and safety for all women. Gladys became involved with the “Missing and Murdered Woman” organization after her niece went missing from Prince Rupert, BC and is still missing today. Gladys used her mourning as fuel and travelled to the Highway of Tears (Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert, BC) to join a walk for women missing or murdered. Highway 16 is referred to as the Highway of Tears because over the past for the 30 years, it has been estimated that over 40 women have gone missing or been found murdered near the highway.
What makes Gladys an inspiration is how fiercely she has dedicated her life to advocating for the justice for all women by bringing international attention to the issue of unsolved murders of Indigenous women in Canada. As an interview with Gladys, done by the CBC for its Champions of Change program, points out, “walking isn’t easy for Radek, who lost a leg in a hit-and run accident and uses a prosthetic. ‘I get blisters, but I say the pain in my leg is nothing compared to the pain in people’s hearts for their loved ones.’ Between walks, Radek organizes vigils, advocates in communities and updates a Walk4Justice databank of missing women. Yet in the end, she says, it’s always about the families. “A lot of these women have children. And I want an answer for them.”
Quote from Gladys Radek:
“Our goal is to eliminate all forms of violence against women and children. At this time I want to thank you all for your invaluable support for our cause. By gathering in solidarity we can stop Violence against women. We need action today, tomorrow and forever. We need to protect our women, the life givers of all society. Thank you all so much. Prayers to everyone for safety, health and prosperity. What do we want? JUSTICE! When do we want it? NOW! Bless you all!”
For more information regarding Gladys Radek’s cause, visit:
http://www.fnbc.info/walk4justice
Picture Source:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/…
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