2nd Annual Women's History Month at CapU
October is Women's History Month. This year's theme is "Women making history now: Celebrating women who tell our stories." As part of the Capilano Faculty Association (CFA) Change Education Series, you're invited to join discussions, film events, a guided walk exploring Indigenous plants on campus, art and entertainment, as we immerse ourselves in the many ways women are embracing their diverse identities, inspiring women with stories about their path to leadership and trailblazing a path towards true gender equality.
Why change education? Tammy Murphy, the First Lady of New Jersey, called for change education around climate to "help create a generation of climate-literate policymakers, data analysts, entrepreneurs, urban planners, researchers, anthropologists, journalists, economists, artists and more." Change education is what we're aiming to do—to create a generation literate in the history and contributions of the women's movement.
By sharing these stories and experiences, we honour those who do not accept the status quo and fight to improve the lived experiences of women.
Keep connected about the 2nd Annual Women's History Month (WHM) at CapU through the University's social media channels and check out CapU Events for updates or event cancellations. To view full event details, click the event titles below.
Events happening at CapU throughout October
Showcasing women in the creative arts
From October 3–6 at the Library
From October 6–31 around the upper and lower cafeteria of Birch Building
In celebration of WHM, we'll be showcasing art, crafts, handwoven textiles and costumes created by students and employees. Artists' works will be rotated each week so make sure to check it out during your breaks.
Week 1—October 3–6
Tuesday, October 3
Video release of joint WHM statement
A video statement will be released to recognize Women's History Month from CapU, Capilano Students' Union, Capilano Faculty Association and MoveUP.
Wednesday, October 4
Official Women's History Month opening with performance by Wanting Qu, international singer and songwriter
Join us for a performance by Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Wanting Qu, whose soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. There will be an Indigenous welcome from Elder Rose Nahanee (Sesemyia) and opening remarks from VP Academic & Provost Laureen Styles.
Friday, October 6
Introductory chess lecture
Learn the rules and basic concepts in chess and start playing today! This interactive lecture is specifically designed for those looking to play a full game of chess from start to finish.
Capilano University Chess Tournament
Join the very first Capilano University Chess Tournament. This short, fun tournament is open to any member of the CapU community and to pre-approved members of the general public.
History of women in chess and the connections between chess and education—Moderated by Brian Ganter and L. Eduardo Azmitia
Featuring Women International Master Penny (Bich-Ngoc) Pham and Women Candidate Master Yelizaveta Orlova, this panel discussion will explore the history of women in chess and the links between chess and education.
Week 2—October 9–13
Tuesday, October 10
Women Empowering Women: A panel discussion
This panel discussion features the personal stories of influential women and how their experiences have shaped their paths towards activism while also empowering the lived experiences of other women. Panelists include:
- Sonia Andhi, founder, Shakti Society
- Djaka Blais, executive director, Hogan’s Alley Society
- Tara Fong, director trades inclusion and access, Skilled Trades BC
- Sussanne Skidmore, president, BC Fed of Labour
- Christy Slusarenko, vice-president combined units, Move-Up
- Taryn Thomson, president, Vancouver Community College Faculty Association
Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14
Shakti Film Festival—Live festival featuring films by and about women
The Shakti Society is a non profit committed to empowering women, families and children through community forums, Shakti Awards, annual wellness days and other activities. The Shakti Film Festival is their initiative to increase and acknowledge women’s contribution to society and their representation in film. Get your tickets!
Week 3—October 16–20
Monday, October 16
A guided nature walk with Jo-Ann Cook (CapU groundskeeper/forest keeper)
Join Jo-Ann for a guided nature walk through the forests that surround CapU's main campus. Learn more about the plants and environment that makes this beautiful campus unique. Take some time to enjoy the nature around us.
Wednesday, October 18
Indigenous Digital Filmmaking (IDF): Short films by three women directors and talk
A screening of short films and a Q&A session with three women directors from the Indigenous Digital Film program. Featured shorts films include:
- My Marie—directed by second-year IDF graduate Jenna Spink
- The Tree of Life—directed by first-year IDF student Hannah Jones
- Night Again—directed by first-year IDF student Anonda Canadien
Week 4—October 23–27
Tuesday, October 24
Faculty of Arts & Sciences panel discussion: Women and social justice—Moderated by Dean Tracy Penny Light
A discussion with faculty and their work in the following areas:
- Kirsten Mcllveen (Geography) who is part of a group called Joint Effort, a grassroots, feminist, prison abolitionist collective, and is also involved in the CapU-prison education initiative at the women's federal prison.
- Sarah Yercich (Sociology/Criminology) who is involved with the FREDA Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children.
- Ki Wight (Women and Gender Studies) who is actively involved with Out on Screen and has done film work with Creative BC.
Week 5—October 30–31
Tuesday, October 31
Courageous Dialogues with women who broke barriers
This is the final event of the month—A panel discussion with women who have broken barriers, led by Diana Twiss, faculty and co-researcher on a project called "Courageous Dialogues." To share their stories, we have invited Georgette Reed, first-ever female athletic director in the history of CapU and former Canadian Olympian who represented Canada in shot put at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain; as well as other guests to be announced.
Submitted by: Communications