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Fourteen pink granite coffin-like benches, each inscribed with the names o f one o f the 14 women, are equally spaced around the perimeter of the 300-foot circle. Each stone slab from Quebec, five-and-a-half-feet long and placed horizontally, symbolizes the average height o f a female body, fallen. A shallow depression on the surface o f the benches are designed to collect rainwater; a "pool of tears." The monument recognizes that violence against women is universal. O n seven of the benches, the dedication of the monument is written in a variety of languages: English. French. Chinook, Chinese. H i n d i . Swahili. Spanish. The remaining seven benches have no dedication, symbolizing space for all other languages and offering moments of contemplation within the circle. The families of the 14 murdered women were approached in the initial stages of the monument planning. They unanimously gave their blessings and support. A tile across each woman's bench contains a dedication written by her family. One dedication reads: Panic Irop tot avec projects, espoirs et tant de richesses de vet encore a partager. Fleur eternelle, tit occupes maintenant la plusbelle place ait jardin de nos coeurs. Eli.se, Femand, Isabelle Croteau. Gone too soon with your projects, your hopes, and so much wealth to share. Eternal flower, you now have the most beautiful place in the garden of our hearts. Elise, Fernand, Isabelle Croteau. The names of more than 6.000 groups and individuals who contributed to the monument ($400,000 worth of donations) are hand stamped on clay tiles encircling the benches. "The Circle of Donors" represents positive human emotions: caring, loving, protecting.An orientation stand, located outside the circle, has signage in English and Braille. The land the monument is situated on is truly blessed. It is the traditional territory of the Burrard. Musqueam, and Squamish First Nations. The monument has created a space where women and men can gather, where publicawareness campaigns, vigils, and services can continue to be held. A s I stood with my camera operator. Lynda Leonard, we felt so fortunate to be able to contribute to this beautiful memorial. Each day. around the world, hundreds of women and children are senselessly murdered. Yet we rarely hear of them. On December 6, 1997. the media was out in full force. Apart from the print media, there were ten professional camera crews covering the event. Yet I saw only two female camera operators: the women producing a moving documentary on the Women's Monument and our Arts Alive T V team. I have gone back several times. Someone is always there: walking in deep meditation, touching the pink benches, placing a flower on the monument. Amidst the poverty and crime o f the downtown eastside, here is a beautiful, peaceful place that invites and embraces all people. A s Rosemary Brown, a jury member, so eloquently states, "When we fight against violence against women in Vancouver, in British Columbia, in Canada, we are fighting against violence against women all over the world; because we really are our sisters' keepers. This is a safe place. This is a place where we are going to remember, and we are going to be re-energized, because we are determined that violence against women, against children, and against men must cease."©> Fif Fernandes produces is a freelance producer and director. She also the television program, A r t s Alive. Gone too soon with your projects, your hopes, and so much wealth to share. Eternalflower,you now have the most beautiful place in the garden of our hearts. ~ Elise, Fernand, Isabelle Croteau