On this International Women’s Day, March 8th, we celebrate the achievements of women, and work for gender equality.

Locally, one woman has triumphed over sexual and physical abuse at the hands of her husband to work towards creating a safe haven for all women in Algoma.

She calls herself the ‘quiet rebel’.

Louise Wrona has worked to help women and children escape from abusive situations and work to find them comfort, support, and hope in our community.

Louise was one of the founding members of Algoma District Sexual Assault Centre and tells her story in her own words.

After suffering severe abuse at the hands of her husband, Louise was left homeless, with no where to go, just weeks after giving birth to her first child.

She recounts the moment she found a group of women at a restaurant, and asked to join them. This conversation would be the start of the path to creating Algoma District Sexual Assault Centre.

Louise, and the women and men who worked on the frontlines with her, saw many difficult situations but also saved numerous women and children from abuse.

 

Louise still says there is still a need to work to be done and to stick together.

 

For ways you can help women in crisis in our community or need help, click the links below.

Women in Crisis Algoma

Pauline’s Place  

Phoenix Rising Women’s Centre

Filed under: IWD2021