To mark International Women’s Rights Day on March 8, CALACS Agression Estrie, the Centre d’intégration au marché de l’emploi (CIME), the Centre des femmes le Point d’ancrage, La maison Séjour, as well as l’Escale de l’Estrie have chosen to join forces to advocate and highlight different struggles faced by women.
The groups decided to get together and organize a series of activities at the Centre culturel Le Parvis and invite allies to join.
Several actions to raise awareness about the issues currently experienced by women have been organized.
CALACS Agression Estrie is presenting an exhibition called “what I was wearing” (ce que je portais), to deconstruct the myth that women’s clothing is related to sexual assault. The CIME is organizing a virtual reality activity to raise awareness about harassment in the workplace. The women’s center Le point d’ancrage is offering the creation of an artwork where participants can express their personality and share their voice in colour. La maison Séjour invites participants to try improvisation under the theme of The mental load. Finally, L’Escale de l’Estrie offers the opportunity to try self-defense and will present a game about violence in relationships to further inform people about this issue.
The national theme for March 8 this year is Feminist Resistance, so it was important for local groups to unite and advocate together. “It is important for us to show that the feminist struggle is not done without allies and that it is all together that we will achieve real equality,” mentioned Joannie from CIME. Each organization present has a specific message to share. Speeches will be held around 6 p.m.
“We want to remind people that there are still struggles to be fought and that we are still present to represent the demands of women,” added Kelly Laramée from CALACS Agression Estrie.
The free event will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Centre culturel Le Parvis and is open to all. Food will be available on site.
