Otautahi Memorial for Womyn and Children

This morning, womyn dressed in black gathered in a silent vigil at the ANZAC Day dawn ceremony at Cathedral Square in remembrance of womyn and children raped and killed in wars.

The response from those attending official proceeding was mostly positive and supportive of the womyns' presence.

Some of the comments heard:
"Good on ya"
"It's true" (from an elderly man dressed in military uniform)
"I appreciate what you're doing"
"Good to see you here"

There were negative responses voiced by two elderly women and a man, who felt the womyns' presence was disrespectful of the fallen soldiers.

Their comments to the womyn:
"Not on ANZAC day!"
"You wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for them"
"Shame on you, if its not got to do with the soldiers, it shouldn't be here. Go away"

The womyn in black felt their presence had made an impact on the thousands of people attending the service. Many people stopped to read and consider the message on the banner they held, which read "In Remembrance of Women and Children Raped and Killed in Wars". The silent protestors had their message respected by people, who gave them the necessary physical space in a crowded situation.

There was also a male presence who stood in support of the womyn.

The womyn were disturbed by the amount of military glorification and anglo-christian justification for wars and death in the official proceedings. The hypocrisy of firing guns as part of the service in the name of 'peace and justice' was not lost on the womyn.

A statement from some of the womyn in black:
"Our banner will be here next year and every year, until the ceremony recognises the pain and the anguish of war upon everyone involved, and no longer glorifies militarism as a necessary means to obtain peace and freedom"