From Awareness to Action

The NFBPWC Gender-Based Violence Committee has continued its commitment to education, awareness, and survivor-centred action in 2026. In April, the committee launched its educational series with a powerful and moving talk by survivor and advocate Elle Amani. Elle courageously shared her personal journey and offered practical insights on recognizing and responding to gender-based violence in families, workplaces, and communities.

On May 23rd, we continued this important conversation with Angie Jackson Wilson, Immediate Past President of Monroe–West Monroe BPW and Chair of the NFBPWC Nominations and Bylaws and Procedures Committees. Angie courageously shared the story of her son, Jay Wilson, who was tragically murdered in 2020 while trying to help someone in a dangerous situation. She spoke about Jay’s character, his passion for martial arts, and how he was posthumously awarded a fourth-degree black belt.

She also shared the community’s response, including tributes, a memorial fund, and an annual tournament renamed in Jay’s honour. Throughout her talk, Angie highlighted the profound and lasting impact of violence not only on families but on entire communities and the strength required to transform personal tragedy into purposeful advocacy. She also reflected on the difficult journey through the justice system and how some actions have consequences that families carry for a lifetime.

The session was attended by Barbara Bozeman, President of NFBPWC and a member of the Gender-Based Violence Committee, BPW members including Sher Singh, Barbara Davis, Gillian Crooke, and Gloria Salas, members from BPW NAC, and members of the Jackson family.

Several participants, including Lileth Nelson, BPW St. Andrew, Jamaica, shared their own experiences with trauma and offered words of support to Angie.

Reflecting on these powerful sessions, I am reminded that violence changes lives forever. But as Angie has shown us, even in the deepest pain it is possible to choose purpose, to choose advocacy, and to choose healing not just for ourselves, but for others.

As the Gender-Based Violence Committee, we remain committed to creating spaces where stories like Angie and Jay’s are heard, and where we continue working towards prevention, support, and justice.

We are making steady progress on our flagship project, the “Inform Guidebook on Gender-Based Violence”. This practical resource will provide members and allies with clear information, safety tools, and actionable steps. Insights shared during our educational sessions will directly shape its content.

Our next committee meeting is June 3rd. We warmly invite all members to participate in upcoming events and to consider volunteering with the committee. Your voice and support are vital as we continue moving from awareness to meaningful, survivor-centred action.

Sujata Tiwari
Chair Gender-Based Violence
gbv@nfbpwc.org