(March 6, 2023) - International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. A gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination is one that we must collectively strive towards, and though International Women’s Day is annually celebrated on March 8th, Laurentian University is recognizing women and their achievements all week long, March 6th - March 10th, 2023.
Events will kick off on March 6th with a presentation in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) by journalist, professor, activist and Halifax’s former Poet Laureat, El Jones, who will speak about “Women, resistance and empowerment.”
On March 7th, LU’s Women’s Centre (P-222), a volunteer-led group who advocates for women’s equality and a positive environment for women on campus, will host an Open House from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. “The Women’s Centre is important to have at Laurentian University because it allows women to have a place where they can feel at peace, feel safe and have support,” said LU’s Women’s Centre Coordinator and third-year Psychologie du sport student, Monica Jean-Baptiste.
“Historically, the function of the Women’s Centre has been to support women in crisis or who are disadvantaged. We offer a friendly atmosphere in addition to emergency support,” added volunteer and third-year Bachelor of Arts student, Josephine Suorineni. “Being student-led, the Women’s Centre is where women can find their voice among peers and help make positive changes at Laurentian. Sometimes, our community members may not be aware of what help is available to them, therefore, the Centre plays a crucial role in connecting women to services and resources.”
On March 8th, the Brenda Wallace Reading Room in the JN Desmarais Library will host Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Dr. Victoria Kannen, for a book reading, “Gendered Bodies and Public Scrutiny.”
Events on March 9th include presentations in the ISLC by Inuk Architectural Designer Nicole Luke, and a keynote panel at the McEwen School of Architecture, “Embracing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities.” Facilitators include keynote Nicole Luke and panelists, Dr. Brenda Brouwer (Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic), Dr. Jennifer Johnson (Manager of Laurentian Online and Adjunct Professor), and Yacine Cisse.
“Celebrating the achievements of women can inspire and empower others – by sharing their journeys and experiences, women raise awareness about challenges, successes and what fuels their fire to do what they do,” says Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic, Laurentian University. She adds that the International Women’s Week events will shine a light on issues relating to gender equality.
Community members are encouraged to participate in the many offerings of International Women’s Week.