Celebrating the 99th Year of International Women's Day (1911-2010)
Tonight I attended a fantastic event at the National Archives of Canada for International Women's Day. The title of the event was “I’m Still Not a Feminist, But…” The title is, for those who know something about the organizations that sponsored and held the event, definitely tongue in cheek. It speaks to the reality that, despite the momentous leaps and strides we have made toward women's equality, we still live in a world where many women do not want to be associated with the term 'feminist'. For someone, like me, who proudly proclaims herself to be a feminist, this is disconcerting. I empathize with those who refuse labels, because they can be and often are used in ways we do not agree with. Unfortunately, we live in a world where labels are used to define us (albeit not always accurately), whether we want them to or not, and so I would rather don the 'label' of feminist and demystify, reclaim, and honour the empowering nature that I think it embodies than shy away from it because it's been maligned by it's opponents. Now, back to the event tonight ...
The evening was put on by a coalition of organizations, including: Ad Hoc Coalition for Women’s Equality and Human Rights • Amnesty International Canada • Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) • Galldin Liew LLP • Harmony House • Inter Pares • Nobel Women's Initiative • OCTEVAW • Ottawa RebELLEs • Oxfam Canada • PACT Ottawa • Peacebuild • Planned Parenthood Ottawa • Women's Event Network Ottawa • Women Against Slavery • Women's Worlds 2011.
What all of these organizations have in common is that they advocate, uncompromisingly, for women's equality and human rights. It was wonderful and encouraging to see so many people there tonight to celebrate International Women's Day. So many people attended that, by the time the presentations started, there was standing room only. People stayed and stood, cheered, clapped, and laughed. We all know what we are up against, that there is a global battle going on for equality, justice, and human rights, but taking time to celebrate each other, our strengths and hard work, is also important.
I was inspired by the short essays and spoken word, the skits and videos, and presentations tonight. I was particularly inspired by the spoken word piece, which one an award tonight. It was written and performed by a 15 year old girl from Ottawa, Rayna Farr-Dutchin. Unfortunately, she could not be there in person, but a video of her performance was shown. I worry some times about the perception that young women today (and tomorrow) have of feminism. Do they know what it is, really? Rayna and the other award winner, Sarah Lavoie, showed me that yes, indeed, there are young women out there who are proud to call themselves feminists. I wish I could share their pieces with you, but, unfortunately, I don't have a copy. You'll just have to take my word for it. But I don't want to leave you without something deeply inspiring, so I've included, below, a powerful piece of poetry by a wonderfully talented, inspiring, powerful and amazing woman: And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou.
Happy International Women's Day!
Love,
The Global Sisterhood
