International Women’s Day: March 8, 2022
Today is International Women’s Day (IWD)… a day to celebrate the successes of women in our communities. A day to recognize gender-based inequalities that still exist. A day to reflect on what we individually desire to see happen in our communities regarding gender-based inequalities.
To add to the email that I sent out last month, there are a great number of education-based meetings/presentations going on today (and over the month). Please see three that I have included towards the end of this message. Thank you to the many faculty who have sent in information/events for International Women’s Day. If you are interested in learning more about IWD, the BBC put out a good article a couple of days ago: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60610678.
At KPU, we are filled with amazing leaders who are women! It is my privilege to share with you a snapshot of one of these amazing women: Dr Fiona Whittington-Walsh. Fiona is a Sociologist at KPU and has been at the root of some fantastic work (research and advocacy) surrounding inclusivity, disability rights and the removal of barriers in post-secondary education and in society. Fiona sits on a number of committees in the KPU and general communities and is a champion of inclusivity. For these reasons, and so many more, Fiona was nominated to receive the YCWA Women of the Year Award. (email forthcoming with voting link to support Fiona in receiving this award) Thank you Fiona!!! for your tireless work, for your amazing teaching skill and for the example that you set for women in our communities.
On this IWD, do remember that no matter our role at KPU, or gender -each of us has the opportunity to create gender inclusivity around us: in what we say and in how we teach. This atmosphere that we create has lasting impacts on our students and the culture at KPU. If you would like to learn more about how you can be more gender inclusive in your teaching, please message me and I would be happy to assist you.
Farm Country Brewing’s International Women’s Day event (at Farm Country Brewing in Langley) on Tuesday, March 8 in Langley
Nine local breweries will have their Pink Boots teams’ beer featured, including a KPU Brewing Diploma beer brewed by female students and instructors. These beers showcase the talents of women in the craft beer industry and are special-edition brews available for a limited time only. Proceeds will be donated to the Ishtar Women’s Resource Society. KPU Brewing’s Pink Boots beer was dedicated to recently retired dean of Faculty of Science & Horticulture, Dr. Betty Worobec. The beer is named Betty Boots.
Webinar: Women’s Health and Safety in the Workplace on Tuesday, March 8 12-1:30pm. Free event, though preregistration is needed. Women’s Health & Safety in the Workplace
The Jimmy Reid Foundation International Women’s Day Meeting. Tuesday, March 8. The Foundation has an online presentation at noon today focusing on women in union leadership, though has numerous presentations that aim to advance women in leadership roles. Free with mandatory preregistration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-in-unions-today-advancing-the-representation-of-their-interests-tickets-265092106627
In solidarity,
Cherylynn Bassani
