Longtime women's rights advocate appointed to London Police Services board
CBC
One of the most recognizable names in London, Ont. when it comes to defending women who have been abused or need help is now a member of the London Police Services Board.
Megan Walker was appointed to the position Thursday with the official swearing-in of the three-year term planned for February 2022.
This is the second new representative brought on this month, with lawyer Ali Chahbar having been appointed in early December. Two people resigned for personal reasons.
Walker was the Executive Director of the London Abused Women's Centre (LAWC) for 24 years until her retirement earlier this year. She helped grow the organization which currently provides 9,000 women and girls access to services each year.
"The London Police Services Board welcomes Ms. Walker," Chair Susan Toth said in a statement. "She has long been a vocal advocate for women. We know that she will bring her experience, passion and strong voice to the Board."
One project she spearheaded and has been adopted around the world, is the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse which sees cities light up in purple each November.
Walker has worked alongside London's police board in an advocacy role for years, most recently fighting to adopt a controversial policy to publicly name johns upon arrest. It was put into place in 2019.
Walker was a two-term city councillor, first elected in 1994. She and colleague Susan Eagle issued London's First Gay Pride Proclamation on the steps of City Hall.
She's won multiple awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Joy Smith Foundation Award for Courage in 2017.
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WARNING: This story contains details of abuse and intimate partner violence:
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