FEM is a group of 12 girls working to raise awareness of sexual assault and rape culture in Saint John.
With an assault rate 132 per cent higher than the national average, FEM was created to bring awareness to such a serious issue.
FEM has been involved with many events regarding violence against women, such as “Take Back the Night.” They will also be speaking at the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Violence Against Women event commemorating the victims of the Montreal Massacre.
Samantha Totten is involved with planning the all-nighter and hopes it will shed some light on the problem facing Saint John women.
“With our all-nighter we hope to create a place for young women to spend a fun night without fear,” says Totten. “We also want to educate the girls on the dangers of rape culture and hopefully give them power to support victims and themselves.”
In addition to their educational activities like rape culture workshops, videos and discussions, the event will offer professional hair and makeup, a professional photographer and photo booth, Zumba, yoga and self-defence classes. All women ages 17-25 are welcome.
The event will take place at from Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, Dec. 1 at 6 a.m. at The City Market Seniors (upstairs in the Saint John City Market) and costs $5/person.
Members of the Sexual Assault Response Team will be on hand in case the event is a trigger to anyone in attendance. To pre-register, e-mail femaleempowermentmovement@gmail.com
