Singing out against violence against women

Maison Libère-Elles releases song of women’s experiences

Catherine Thérien, an employee of the Maison Libère-Elles wrote and composed “Les Lionnes,” inspired by the words of the women living at the shelter. Photo courtesy of Maison Libère-Elles

Maison Libère-Elles has released a new song today, Nov. 25, to mark the first of 12 days of action against violence against women.

“Les Lionnes” is written and composed by Catherine Thérien, an employee of the shelter for women and children in Chelsea, and is inspired by and uses those women’s words.

“Every word in this song not only comes from Catherine’s experiences but from women who have been in this shelter,” explained Jimena Carnero Paredes, an awareness and support worker at the shelter. “She composed the song to highlight their resilience and send a message of hope.”

Paredes explained that the song will be released on iTunes and Spotify, and a music video will also be available on YouTube. The shelter said it hopes supporters will listen and share the song to “make some noise for victims of domestic violence.”

“The 18 femicides and two infanticides of 2021 are abhorrent and unacceptable,” Paredes wrote in a press release on Nov. 19 about incidents of violence occurring in the province. “This is why it is essential to mobilize and act together… we all want to hear from you, loud and clear, so that it resonates everywhere.”

The song was unveiled on Nov. 25 as part of the 12 days of action against violence against women and will be available on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.