Empowering Women NFP & Women’s Justice League Annual Silent March

Empowering Women NFP and Women’s Justice League held their Annual Silent March to raise much needed awareness on the topic of domestic violence last weekend.

This Silent March was held on Sunday, October 30th, 2022, 11 a.m. in downtown Chicago on Michigan Avenue in front of The Bean. The main purpose of this Silent March was to bring awareness and outreach into the community.

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday. The supporters gathered on the iconic Michigan Avenue with signs in hand and the intention in their hearts to “END THE CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.” Each sign had a name of a survivor, a friend, relative or neighbor they knew. The group marched down and around the Bean and Millennium Park area - passerby acknowledged this powerful visual. Many joined in the March as they felt they needed to be a part of this compelling statement.

October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October 1989. October is when the courage and resilience of survivors of abuse, neglect and violence is honored, the dedication of advocates and service providers is honored and the month that we recommit ourselves to standing with them for safety, dignity, and justice.

Empowering Women NFP is a Chicago based non-profit. Its mission is to “break the cycle of Domestic Violence by providing the necessary trauma informed services to survivors in and around Chicago”. The organization provides Skills Development Programs (Digital learning and sewing programs), legal guidance, job skills training, placement and holistic wellness workshops, basic health needs along with life coaching skills and immediate shot term shelter. The team consists of 7 Board Members, Abhi Singh, Arshia Hasnain (Founder and Executive Director), Farvah Lakhani, Mumtaz Husain, Sahar Ahmad, Sarah Hussain, and Stephanie Pelzer. Empowering Women has two community liaisons, Diana Rodriguez (Latinx Community) and Senna Alnico (African American Community). Their volunteer legal attorney is Farah Chalisa and college intern Emaan Mohsinuddin.

The Women’s Justice League is a voice for survivors - their focus is Justice, Advocacy and Prevention. It’s co-founders Stephanie Pelzer and Araceli Guasso believe in building a fortress of strength and raising the warrior from within.

Remember, domestic violence can happen to anyone in any community regardless of age, gender, economic status, race, religion, nationality, or even educational background. Most of these cases are never reported to the police. 1 in 3 women suffer at the hands of their abuser. Please visit for more details the web page for Empowering Women NFP (www.ewnfp.org), or their FB and Instagram(@empoweringwomennfp).

No donation is too small …please consider donating towards Empowering Women NFP’s Skills Development Programs that help bring financial independence to women.