HOUGHTON -- On Saturday, May 28, Yoopers for Ukraine will join Women for Ukraine in a worldwide protest against the use of rape in war -- a war crime. Concerned people are invited to join this silent protest at 10 a.m. at the Breakers on Lake Superior, off Canal Road in Stanton Township.*
On April 14, 2022, brave women stood in front of the Russian embassy in Estonia with their hands tied, bags over their heads, and blood running down their legs. On April 27, women and men in Lithuania stood against rape as a war crime in Ukraine. Since the war, many brave women have stood up against this brutality. Here, on Lake Superior Saturday morning, Yoopers for Ukraine will hold a visceral, silent protest. You may join them or witness their stand, joining women worldwide in Paris, London, Australia, various other E.U. countries, New York, California, Washington D.C., and many more states across the U.S. as they stand together at the same time, silently, to cry "no more" against the use of rape as a weapon of war.
"This is truly a worldwide movement," says Nadija Packauskas of Yoopers for Ukraine. "We have protest leaders from around the world. It covers six continents."
Rape has been used as a brutal weapon of war for centuries. In Ukraine, Russian soldiers have used rape to demoralize and denigrate women, children, and men. This atrocity is happening hourly. The stories are beyond comprehension, but sadly, they are real.
Yoopers for Ukraine has chosen the backdrop of Lake Superior to absorb the silent cries of protesters. The tears of women across the centuries could probably fill our deepest Lake. You are invited to join or witness the protest, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. and last 20 minutes. Please arrive at 10 a.m. to prepare.
Posters will be available. Some women will choose to stand in solidarity with hands tied and bloodied bodies. This is not a requirement.
"We ask only for your presence," adds Packauskas. "We will not use spoken words during this 20-minute time of silence worldwide. We will use our bodies, our signs, and our tears to give voice to the voiceless. Stand with us for this important cause. Already this movement has brought change and power. There are active fundraisers for counseling and care for victims of rape and their surviving families active because of this movement. Rape is an everlasting scar. We are hoping to add a healing balm one stand at a time!"
Yoopers for Ukraine does not recommend bringing children to this protest. It is meant to bring attention to the horrible war crime of rape in Ukraine. Yoopers for Ukraine will be broadcasting live via London with other groups around the world. Do not miss this opportunity to stand in solidarity for truth.
*Click here for a map and directions to the Breakers.
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