WLRN Extended Interview with Lee Lakeman of the Vancouver Rape Relief Shelter and Women's Center
Feb 13, 2019
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Lee Lakeman, a dedicated activist since 1973 and a long-standing member of the Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter, shares her insights on combating violence against women. She reflects on the École Polytechnique massacre's impact on feminist activism and discusses the urgent issue of violence against Indigenous women in Canada, spotlighting systemic failures. Lakeman also addresses the complexities of feminism's relationship with prostitution and trans identities, emphasizing unity and resilience as vital for ongoing women's liberation efforts.
Lee Lakeman emphasizes the importance of a democratic structure within the Vancouver Rape Relief, enabling effective collaboration and radical feminist activism among its members.
The evolution of the Rape Relief Center from a support line to a comprehensive advocacy organization exemplifies the integration of service and activism in women's liberation efforts.
Deep dives
Longstanding Commitment to Women's Rights
The speaker has dedicated nearly four decades to advocating for women's rights, particularly through her work with the Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter, where she has been a pivotal figure since 1978. She established one of Canada's first women's shelters in Ontario and transitioned to Vancouver, drawn by the presence of a vibrant feminist community. Throughout her tenure, she has witnessed significant changes, including her transition into retirement while remaining connected as an honorary member. Her experience has allowed her to train many new activists, instilling a strong sense of institutional memory within the organization.
Effective Collective Organization
The collective at the Vancouver Rape Relief functions uniquely, emphasizing inclusivity and shared responsibility among its members, which consists of over 20 women. Each member is actively engaged in various roles, including crisis work, maintaining public alliances, and participating in budget decisions. This democratic structure contrasts sharply with the common top-down approach seen in many organizations, demonstrating how a collective can sustain radical political agendas effectively. Regular meetings and a clear basis of unity ensure that all members contribute while maintaining cooperative and egalitarian practices.
Evolving Services and Community Impact
Over the years, the Rape Relief Center has expanded its services significantly, transitioning from a simple support line to a comprehensive advocacy organization that integrates women's liberation principles. The original aim was to create a supportive environment for women in need, which evolved into actively recruiting those women into the broader feminist movement. This commitment to both service and activism has fostered a strong network of feminist organizations in Vancouver, enabling them to tackle interconnected issues, such as violence against women, in a more collaborative manner. The center's work has not only benefited local communities but also inspired international efforts in women's rights advocacy.
Challenges and Resilience in Advocacy
The collective has faced various challenges, particularly in addressing issues related to violence against women, including the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous women in Canada. The speaker emphasizes the need for strong governmental responses to such violence, advocating for better investigations and support systems within the criminal justice framework. She also highlights the difficulties in addressing prostitution and the disparity between different feminist perspectives, asserting that ending prostitution aligns with broader anti-class and anti-racism struggles. This ongoing activism demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the organization as it confronts contemporary challenges in the feminist movement.
In this interview, WLRN's Robin speaks with long-time member of the collective Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter, Lee Lakeman. Since 1973, VRR has been a safe haven for victims of rape and domestic violence, and women who have escaped the sex trade. Here, Ms. Lakeman speaks about her and the collective's herstory of feminist action, strides VRR has made, and how women can continue to work for women's liberation in today's political climate. WLRN thanks Lee for giving her time to speak with us, and all the members of Vancouver Rape Relief for their continued contribution and dedication to women.
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