A number of UBC faculty offer heartfelt and inspiring words for their female students during International Women’s Day, March 8.
First observed in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates women’s achievements, roles and contributions. According to the UN, this year’s theme is “Empower Women – End Hunger and Poverty.”
Prof. Jo-Ann Archibald, Associate Dean for Indigenous Education
Educational Studies, Faculty of Education
“Indigenous women, like the Thunderbird, have the power of indigenous knowledge, values, and abilities to transform education so that all learners reach beyond their potential. We can be the Thunderbird Rising, moving and working together to improve the lives of indigenous peoples, our lands, and our world.”
Prof. Anne Condon, Dept. Head of Computer Science
Faculty of Science
“You have lots to celebrate today! Think of a special woman in your life who has inspired you: Your mom? A loyal friend, mentor or supporter? A trailblazer or community builder? Let that special person know you appreciate them. And then, dream big about your own path to living a happy and fulfilling life. Happy International Women’s Day!”
Prof. Elizabeth Croft, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Applied Science; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Chair for Women in Science and Engineering for the British Columbia and Yukon Region
“Women have amazing power. We have evolved as powerful nurturers, communicators and community builders. At this tipping point in time, women need to take this power into science, engineering and technology – arenas where how we choose to use knowledge can ultimately chart the course of nations, and bring health, quality of life, and security to millions.
“It’s time for women to take up the role we have always held – of putting people first – in this new age of technology. If we are to survive as a species, women must lead the way.”
Assoc. Prof. Nancy Langton, Sauder School of Business
Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Division
“The recent attack on contraception rights for women in the U.S. serves as a reminder that the assurance of equality is more fluid than we might like. Use your voice and share your vision globally to make the world safer for all women and locally to inspire workplaces that value equality.”
UBC’s IWD events include:
A conversation with Aboriginal filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin
Sponsored by the UBC Dept. of Theatre and Film, Rogers Multicultural Film production project
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Location: Dorothy Somerset Studio Theatre, UBC, 6361 University Blvd.
Website: http://aboriginal.ubc.ca/2012/02/27/a-series-of-free-public-events-with-alanis-obomsawin/
Decolonizing & Deconstructing International Women’s Day
Sponsored by the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies Graduate Student Association
Speakers include leading historian UBC Prof. Veronica Strong-boag, who with her team is launching WomenSuffrage.org, an online resource that documents the evolution of women’s voting rights in Canada and around the world.
Time: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Jack Bell Building, #028, Lower Level, 2080 West Mall
Website: http://wire.arts.ubc.ca/events/decolonizing-deconstructing-international-womens-day/
ArtsWIRE story: http://wire.arts.ubc.ca/featured/new-website-documents-womens-suffrage-movement/
How to Survive and Thrive in Your Chosen Science and Technology Career
Sponsored by the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology and Science World
Time: 5:15-9:30 p.m.
Location – TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street (at Terminal)
Website: http://wwest.mech.ubc.ca/wwest-partners/current-projects/
Register at http://www.scwistevents.ca/
CiTR’s 24 hours of special IWD programming
101.9 FM is featuring non-stop female pop, punk and blues along with scintillating interviews. Radio hosts will delve into the struggles and accomplishments of the past, set goals for developing the potential and opportunities for the future, and celebrate the united efforts for peace, justice, equality and development of women.
Time: March 8-9, 12 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Website: http://www.citr.ca/index.php/2012/03/international-womens-day-on-citr/