Vanier College International Women’s Week, March 6-10, 2017: Reclaiming Spaces

One again this year, Vanier College is celebrating International Women’s Week with a program of guest speakers, films, documentaries, expert panels and a number of special events that address sexism, racism, classism, homo- and trans-phobia, among other themes. From March 6th to the 10th, speakers who tackle politics and activism from challenging and refreshing perspectives will share their expertise and life experiences and deal with contemporary issues that affect college students’ lives.

“This is Vanier College’s 38th celebration of March 8, International Women’s Day,” says Maggie Kathwaroon, one of the principal organizers of the festival. “Vanier College can be proud of the space that it has made for feminism and gender studies, as well as the efforts it has made to embrace and respect the non-homogenous identities of our students. Whether it is the Open Door Network, the Indigenous Circle, the Gender Neutral bathroom project, or the multitude of other projects that broadcast our commitment to diversity, we believe that Vanier must be a respectful space to enable our students to define and express who they are and explore what their demands will be of the society outside our walls.”

Here is a preview of speakers invited this year.

Koriass is a feminist male rapper who will perform and speak to students about the role men must play to end gender-based violence.

Katarina Soukoup is an independent documentary producer, who has been involved with many projects, including Okpik’s Dream, Burgundy Jazz and Come Worry with Us.

Agata de Santis and Elias Varoutsos are the producer and director of Clay vs. Clay, a documentary that follows the efforts of a man who believes that if he trains hard enough, he can become the Heavyweight champion of the world.

Robyn Flynn is a Montreal radio personality (CJAD 800 & TSN 690) who is passionate about standing up for sexual assault survivors and women's rights.

Orenda Boucher-Curotte is the Coordinator of the First People’s Centre at Dawson College and scholar in anti-colonial studies.

Yasmin Jiwani is a Professor at Concordia University, with specialties in race, gender and violence.

Ameesha Joshi is a filmmaker who has just completed the documentary With this Ring, which tells the story of the women who are members of the Indian national boxing team.

Gabrielle Anctil is a journalist and activist who will discuss how cycling and early feminism went together.

Fanie deMeule is a Young Adult author.

Dawn Foran is a computer engineer.

Two panels will also take place during the festival. The first panel organized by Vanier’s Open Door Network, will explores issues around sexual orientation and gender identity. The second “Women in Business” panel will includes guest speakers who will share their professional and personal challenges in business. This year’s participants include: Vanessa D'Amora, owner Bar a Beurre pastry shop (Old Montreal); Cally Dubrofsky, Marketing Manager and founder of MontrealMaven.com where she shares her love for people and places throughout the city, and Julie Brummer, a Principal, Boston Consulting Group who will share the challenges she faces combining a professional career with family responsibilities.

For a full program consult: http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/womens-studies/international-womens-week/