International Women's Day 2021
A Message from Laureen Styles, VP Academic & Provost
As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 in the midst of a global pandemic, the conversations about women’s rights and gender equality put a spotlight on the extraordinary ways that women have been creating positive change while also facing disproportionate impacts to their human rights and wellness, particularly among those who are already marginalized, vulnerable or struggling. From unpaid work and layoffs in industries where women make up a significant majority of the workforce to the unbalanced responsibilities on women with family and childcare to the rise of domestic violence worsened by the social isolation experienced by many during the pandemic, women have been deeply impacted by this health and economic crisis.
On this IWD, UN Women and Canada’s Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) department invites us to take a pledge, #FeministRecovery, to advance gender equality and support for an inclusive COVID-19 recovery. Additionally, another IWD theme, #ChoosetoChallenge, reminds us that we can all choose to challenge gender bias and inequality. When we challenge, we can bring about change to better the lives of all women.
With this in mind, Student Affairs would like to share an opportunity for students to participate in student consultations hosted by the Students for Consent Culture (SFCC) on the National Action Plan to Address Gender-based Violence. SFCC is a grassroots organization that aims to amplify the voices of those who are often left out of this type of process. There are four ways to get involved:
- Fill out the survey. There are options to participate as a group representative, an individual or anonymously. The deadline to submit is March 13.
- Join a private consultation between March 3–13, 2021. This usually involves a phone or video chat conversation. Email consultation@sfcc.org to set up a time and date.
- Join their public consultation on Wednesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PST. This is an opportunity to be part of a discussion with others. Please register for this event here to receive the Zoom link.
- Send in your thoughts, documents or opinions via email to consultation@sfcc.org.
Each and every day, I am inspired by the rich contributions of women at the University, especially this year. It's my privilege to share this day with all our students and colleagues who add their stories to the multitude of voices being heard on this important day.
Laureen Styles, EdD
VP Academic & Provost
Virtual Events
Here’s a highlight of CapU faculty who are hosting or participating in panel conversations commemorating International Women’s Day. We invite your participation.
IWD: Word of wisdom from women who persisted
IWD: Word of wisdom from women who persisted
Today, March 8, 2021 at 6 p.m.
Virtual panel hosted by Vancouver Women in Tech (VanWIT)
Susan Romeo-Gilbert (CapU’s School of Business) joins three other inspirational women in technology, including Nicole Eltom (Telus), Sherry Wu (Info-Tech) and Diane Lapierre (Absolute Software), in a panel discussion about their experiences and how they persisted to achieve their goals. Registration will be accepted up until the start of the event tonight.
Gender & COVID-19 in arts, culture and community-based work
Gender & COVID-19 in arts, culture and community-based work
Tuesday, March 9 from 6–8 p.m.
Online panel hosted by CapU’s Women's & Gender Studies dept.
We are aware that this pandemic has affected populations differently and is having particular gender-based impacts, especially along the lines of race, culture, citizenship, class and vocation. We have invited three guest speakers to describe how COVID-19 has impacted the communities they serve and work with. Speakers include: Balbir Gurm, EdD (Kwantlen Polytechnic University/Network to Eliminate Violence), Amanda Aziz (Migrant Workers Centre) and Michelle Olson (Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation/Raven Spirit Dance). Learn more, read the speaker bios and access the Zoom link.
Submitted by: Communications