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COVID-19 special: Our frontline womxn warriers PANELISTS Jennisha Wilson Nasreen Rajani Zara Canteenwalla Dawn Bowdish Event Summary Given the current COVID19 pandemic, Ask Women Anything’s May 2020 panel took place via Zoom. Our guests included professionals who gave their opinions as health experts, particularly concerning COVID-19 & the associated country-wide quarantine we are currently living under. The panel consisted of social worker Zara Canteenwalla, immunologist Dawn Bowdish , Carleton Media and Communications PhD candidate Nasreen Rajani and Jennisha Wilson-Tungasuvingat Inuit’s manager of sex work, exiting the sex trade and exploitation projects. This event was a frank and thoughtful look at the experience of COVID19 and its impact on all of us. To start, the moderator asked about some of the speakers’ positive experiences and expectations in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Bowdish highlighted the fact that previously non-essential workers have become essential under these circumstances. Wilson agreed, saying that this emergency situation shows what organizations like hers have always advocated for: namely, that making the world safer for women and children makes it safer for everyone else. Throughout the event, Wilson underscored the incredible resilience and resourcefulness the people she works with have shown and continue to show, especially because of their particular experiences of marginalization. When asked to comment on some of the long-term gains that they hope the COVID-19 situation leaves us with, the panelists all agreed that even though the pandemic shows a shift to focusing on non-essential workers, many of this group’s concerns remain unaddressed by government and societal institutions. Rajani noted the ways in which social distancing rules are being enforced disproportionately against communities and people of colour. She highlighted how in disseminating certain kinds of information, we centre some people’s experiences of the pandemic over others. Bowdish agreed, noting that calls for people to stay home to avoid spreading disease does not acknowledge the women and children who suffer from and live with abuse at home. The speakers were asked to discuss some of the positives that might come out of the situation: all hoped that the pandemic might cause the provincial and federal governments to revaluate and perhaps institute a universal basic income. Some wanted a more accessible workplace. When asked about women’s leadership capabilities during these times, Wilson noted that the marginalized women she works know that doing nothing is simply not an option. Bowdish wanted to see concrete, evidence-based studies before deciding whether or not women had better leadership skills when compared to men. When the conversation turned towards working from home, Canteenwalla raised her concern about schools mandating online courses: she noted that instituting such measures hastily might take away from children’s and students’ abilities to develop healthy social skills, which are based on interacting with others. Several panelists commented on the isolation and depression that teens are feeling at this time. To conclude the discussion, Canteenwalla advised people to self-reflect and become introspective about our own individual self-care, coping and survival skills while we are self-isolating at home. The Ottawa community had several questions which did not get answered, as there were too many questions and not enough time to hear from these experts. Great big thanks to all of our panellists and our amazing volunteers for a thoughtful, reflective and hopeful Ask Women Anything event! https://www.facebook.com/events/2489014331363440

Gamechangers PANELISTS Bekah D'Aoust Master Cameron Eric Leon Carling Miller Event Summary Ask Women Anything and the Feminist Twins present May's Ask Women Anything panel featuring incredible game-changers from our very own city (and beyond)! #SPECIALEVENT: Please note, this month's panel will be held at the Happy Goat, 35 Laurel Street and moderated by the Feminist Twins. Also, the event will be from 8 pm to 9 pm. We have lined up a power-packed panel of women experts from our community for our May panel: Bekah D'Aoust, Master Cameron Eric Leon and Carling Miller. Join us at 8pm on May 30th Thursday at Happy Goat, 35 Laurel Street. Come out for a great hour-long discussion... you can ask our panelists anything! Carling (she/her) is an explorer and an experimenter in what is possible for connection and collaboration between people, organizations, and movements. Thinking and trying different ways to build, support, and sustain communities and getting more comfortable with failure as a gift. Carling is a leader, a DJ, organizer, partner, friend, pet parent, and co-counselor. You can find her mixing beats, co-organizing Queer Soup Night - Ottawa, and leading Kind Space. Bekah has recently turned from victim to survivor. She has survived two sexual assaults. In 2011 Bekah graduated from Algonquin college shortly after the second assault which has made news headlines over the past few years. Bekah released her identity in hopes of advocating for other victims, and instilling hope in other victims who live in fear. Recently married and working in an administrative role, Bekah has battled anxiety, depression and drug addiction. One day a time, Bekah fights for her future and is on the road to advocacy. In drag, our next individual is known as "Master Cameron Eric Leon;" he is Ottawa's gender bender extraordinaire having taken the drag and burlesque scenes by storm in cities across Ontario and beyond. He is known for challenging notions of gender and sexuality with his unapologetic versatility, over the top theatricality, commanding stage presence, and formidable live vocals. He won the titles of Mr. Capital Pride 2014, the first ever Mx. Capital Pride 2016, and has performed at World Pride 2014, at The Bagel Burlesque Expo, the Capital Burlesque Expo, and the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London, England. As an MC he has hosted numerous drag and burlesque shows, corporate fundraisers, and most recently the Winterlude Ice Cabaret 2019, and the 10th anniversary of the Coming Out Monologues presented by the Calgary Queer Arts Society. Out of drag, Cameron is a non binary trans person who identifies as genderqueer and uses they/them pronouns, but still understands and identifies with aspects of womanhood and struggles of queer women. Come and join us as we highlight these women sharing their journeys, insights, ideals and taking our questions over a 60 min period. Enjoy an evening of awesome drinks and snacks from Happy Goat and knowledge sharing with Ottawa's incredible women! https://www.facebook.com/events/2284639068491524

Gamechangers PANELISTS Grandmother Irene Compton Cherie Wong Jennisha Wilson Gamechangers Q&A Event Summary Time and time again, we are blown away by the experts who come speak at our events and our most recent AWA – meant to shine a light on our panelists individually – was no exception. Despite the ongoing virtual format, the discussion led by Elder Irene Compton, Cherie Wong and Jennisha Wilson was nothing short of remarkable as they opened up about life experiences, working towards systemic change, decolonization, the highs and the lows of activism, building bridges, and more. As always, we are deeply humbled and moved by the wisdom and resilience that abounds in our very own city. By doing a smudging and dedicating a prayer, Grandmother Irene Compton (co-founder of Minwaashin Lodge) opened the event which was held on May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender diverse people. She explained the significance of the medicine wheel, which portrays the various stages of Indigenous spirituality throughout a person’s life and their connection to Mother Earth and our ancestors. Jennisha Wilson has worked at Tungasuvvingat Inuit for five years combatting human trafficking, doing anti-racism and VAW work and will now be joining the anti-racism response team at University of Waterloo. Cherie Wong is the Executive Director of Alliance Canada Hong Kong, which fights for human rights (universal suffrage and democratic institutions) of Hong Kongers. Cherie does this work while acknowledging her role as a settler on Indigenous lands in Ottawa. ​ Jennisha Wilson was asked how her Indo-Afro-Jamaican background informs her allyship and helps her in her social justice work. She explained that her parents instilled in her respect for others and a passion for social justice. She highlights her own experiences of colonialism in her community as well as personal experiences of racism and discrimination inform how she wants to work towards reconciliation between settler and Indigenous communities. Jennisha was asked what positive outcomes she has seen in equity, diversity and inclusion in Ottawa and Canada. She confirmed that BIPOC have been advocating for these things for a long time and laying the groundwork for activism, including efforts like priority hiring and anti-VAW work. More needs to be done to give BIPOC community members a seat at the table of decision-making power. Jennisha feels that the needs of the communities she aims to serve need to be reflected in the relationships and decisions of these organizations. Forming partnerships with Indigenous organizations and using appropriate language are part of trust-building and decolonization, in her view. Elder Irene Compton was asked to provide any guidance as to how to navigate this global pandemic. Grandmother Irene says that crises such as the one we are living in now can generate positive change simply by supporting us to pause and reflect on what is important, namely nurturing family and community relationships. Further, using one’s voice to express creativity and one’s own reality is a very important skill.. Grandmother Irene also shared her view that everyone has gifts that they can share with their community. Grandmother Irene has been working with Indigenous women for a generation at Minwaashin Lodge, helping them heal from trauma and find their voice. Grandmother Irene was asked what qualities she brings as a leader in the Ottawa community and how she sees her role in shaping the community positively. She considers herself a gentle and balanced leader. Her gifts in leadership come from her ancestors and she comes from a family and clan of creative people. In her work at Minwaashin Lodge, she supports women who have experienced trauma and whose spirits need nurturing to become survivors and advocates for themselves, despite the trauma they have faced through state violence. Grandmother Irene also highlighted the barriers that she faced in trying to help these women. She however persevered and found her voice. Cherie Wong, the founder of Alliance Canada Hong Kong, was asked what her biggest challenges were in founding the organization and what positives came out of that. Cherie advocates for Hong Kongers’ human rights in the face of continued violence and oppression by the PRC, particularly sexual and gender-based violence experienced by women protesters in Hong Kong. Alliance Canada is a community focused organization that promotes healing these wounds and meeting the needs of the local Ottawa community as well. Using her experience as a settler in Canada helps her to advocate for policy change in Hong Kong. She feels that there needs to be a delicate balance between serving both communities while addressing colonialization in the Canadian context. In response to the question of how COVID has impacted activism, Cherie notes that institutionalized systems of oppression, including racism, sexism, and transphobia are global barriers to social justice, and COVID has made that painfully apparent, with unequal vaccine distribution for instance. Cherie explained that dismantling systems of oppression starts with the individual, namely addressing biases and lateral violence in her community to empower people and move away from oppression and towards justice through self-care and community care. Thank you for supporting our space – until next time, Ottawa!

When womxn represent PANELISTS Rosella Chibambo Seyi Okuribido-Malcolm Rekha Sharma Event Summary Last Wednesday, we held our first virtual #AWA panel of 2021 with a trio of absolute powerhouses. We were incredibly lucky to witness the magic that happens when thoughtful, dynamic and wise experts come together to discuss all things representation. ​ Our speakers Seyi, Rekha and Rosella examined the nuances of increased representation, the importance of intersectionality, questions of leadership and more, leaving the audience moved, inspired and energized. What a way to begin our year! Rekha Sharma is a director in a software company in Ottawa and one of few women in leadership positions in the IT sector. As an Indo-Canadian who immigrated 21 years ago, she seeks to make the hiring process and work environment inclusive of diversity and open to innovation and different views. As a leader, she strives to increase the number of women employees in t hat field, specifically hire more women of colour. She believes that BIPOC representation makes her company more successful and moves society forward. Seyi Okuribido-Malcolm is a proud Black Canadian woman of Jamaican and Nigerian heritage. She believes that we are living through a moment of reckoning on racial equity leading to more excellent representation. Seyi considers the present moment as an inflection point where institutions in society need to work collectively for better representation. She is the Director of the newly formed Anti-Racism Secretariat at the Department of National Defence. Her work involves shining a black light to illuminate and remove invisible barriers for people of colour who experience intersecting identities. Rosella is a communications strategist in the nonprofit sector. As a queer, biracial woman with a backround in journalism, she is interested in power and complexity of representation as it relates to movements for social justice. Specifically, she considers creativity to be central to advancing social movements and sustaining the people who drive them. In her role as a non-profit communications professional and Board member for the Ten Oaks Project, she works to strengthen her communities through storytelling and advocacy. 1. Recently we have seen BIPOC women breaking barriers and becoming the first women of colour to occupy high leadership positions. While these achievements are positive, are we erasing anything with this language? What is the impact of this language? We need to acknowledge accomplishments in the face of systemic barriers that still exist today. We need to create a system where inclusion and representation are mainstream. There is a lack of depth in coverage of accomplishments or challenges that female leaders face. There is a lack of nuance, which also reduces the responsibility and is a barrier to having representative female leadership. Both women leaders' accomplishments and the barriers they face in the workplace need to be addressed. Inclusive hiring practices are one way to create a positive work environment. Panelists also mentioned that it is stifling to be the first woman of colour in leadership roles, and there is a lot of pressure on individual BIPOC women to change the culture. 2. Do you think of yourself as representing the Ottawa community? Who do you represent? Is this representation burdensome or not? How do you want to be represented? Leadership in social justice movements is complicated. For Rosella, leadership means influencing people to become supporters of social justice causes and amplifying what other people are doing. The IT sector has few women and fewer women of colour in leadership positions. Leadership means increased power - and with this power - one should hire people inclusively and prevent discrimination in hiring. Different identities that intersect means that one has to get support for the part of their identity that is challenged the most. Leadership is context-specific, dependent on the social reality and needs to consider the multilayered aspect of identity. 3. What are key characteristics of leadership? Respecting individual differences while fostering an environment that ensures team success. Empathy and understanding, human connection and respect, but also fairness and equity are all necessary to prevent discrimination and create a healthy working environment. HOT leadership stands for honesty, openness and transparency and requires humility, intercultural intelligence and self-education on racial equity in order to initiate action. Transparency involves removing barriers and challenging systemic injustice. 4. Given the systemic barriers that BIPOC women face, how do we keep ourselves energized and focused in our fight for increased representation? Change needs to be for everyone, but it is also a slow process. In exchange, change will necessarily involve creativity to imagine different ways of being and alternate systems; this imagining needs to happen collectively. There is optimism and hope, progress over time, but we need to acknowledge the problems and have open discussions as to what the barriers are and how to remove them via an action plan. 5. How did you become a leader? Leadership involves training people to be leaders at every level. True leadership starts with standing up for oneself and supporting others who are facing injustice. People who are new to leadership positions can learn from others' expertise and share information. Leadership also involves mentoring other people to become leaders and establishing partnerships with individuals and the government to advance equity in hiring practices. 6. Are there downsides to being visible in the mainstream? Yes, members of marginalized groups are more visible which is good for representation, but with visibility comes the possibility of backlash (e.g. violence against transgender people). There is a fine line between representation and tokenism so we must focus on what we can do with the space we are given to lift other people who may be facing barriers. 7. Can men be effective allies? What do they need to do or not do to achieve this? The first part of allyship is consulting women and people from other marginalized gender identities. Also, it is important to educate oneself and recognize that as men, they have easier access to resources and spaces. An immense thank you to our phenomenal panel for sharing with us. We also could not do any of this without our team of volunteers as well as the Ottawa community. As always, thank you for tuning in and supporting this space!​

Black womxn making the world a better place PANELISTS Jacqueline Lawrence Adrienne "Afua" Coddett Erin Madon Roda Muse Petra Eperjesi Event Summary On a rainy evening a day following the federal election, a keen audience gathered in front of, and around, Bar Robo’s small but intimate stage to listen to four women who work in education. This month’s panelists included Jacqueline Laurence, the diversity and equity coordinator for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Adrienne Coddett, an Ottawa high school teacher, Petra Eperjese and, Erin Madon a science teacher with experience teaching in different schools across Ontario. After taking a few minutes to introduce themselves, each of the panelists spoke about their teaching and administration experiences. A common theme that emerged throughout the ensuing discussion and question period that followed, was that students, their specific needs, perspectives, and mental, physical, and emotional well-being should be the focus of educators and the public school system more broadly. As an example to illustrate this point, Petra told the audience about the opportunity she had to pursue professional development in Denmark; the organization she was visiting had a statue of a little girl in one of its halls, and one of the people she met there explained to her that they always make decisions with the perspective and life of the little girl-child in mind. This example suggests that changing the point of view from which education policy is made might differently and more positively affect students if decisions were made more conscientiously with them in mind. Adrienne reiterated this point by insisting that, every day, teachers engage the lived experiences of their students in every space they interact with them, and that educators have various opportunities to affect these experiences differently in every classroom depending on its dynamics, and the students in it. Because the school she works at is surrounded by retirement residences, Adrienne even suggested that the school system should adopt an integrational approach, which enables youth to interact with retired elders in their communities, in a way that would allow youth to give back to the communities they are a part of and, more importantly, to learn about and from the seniors they interact with. When asked about recent revisions to school curriculum, all panelists agreed that teachers and the school system more broadly, should more adequately prepare students for everyday realities necessary to keep them societally aware and safe, and, as Erin noted, teachers consistently face tremendous pressures from parents, students, and school officials that their role necessitates they navigate on a daily basis. As a example, she explained that she sometimes cannot adequately cover units she believes it is essential that students learn about because there simply isn’t enough time to do this. Audience members asked what could be done about teachers who are unaware of their students’ special needs, while others asked the panelists to comment on the predominantly White nature of the education curriculum. Jacqueline commented on the stereotypical and harmful portrayal of Black masculinity that literary classics like To Kill a Mockingbird perpetuate, which, in 2019, continues to negatively shape the identity of Black boys and reinforce a single narrative of Black men to the world. At the same time, she highlighted the contribution of diverse cultures to mathematics, illustrating the possibility of adopting culturally-diverse teaching even while instructing students in a subject as rigid as math. The panel members concluded by reiterating the need for students to be taught about/from perspectives that mirror their own lived experiences/realities. Sounds like a literary forum or a roundtable discussion? Nope. Just our incredible panelists at our AWA. Thanks again to these amazing women, to Bar Robo for hosting us and to Ottawa who came out to listen and chat. Panel moderated by AWA founder Amanda Parriag. Post-event press release by Racha Al Abdullah. Pictures by Robert Yip and Paroma Datta. Please share with acknowledgement. https://www.facebook.com/events/496149420934812

Black womxn making the world a better place PANELISTS Meghan Wills Maya McDonald Deborah Owusu-Akyeeah Event Summary Black History Month became stratospheric in 2020 with Ask Womxn Anything: Black womxn making the world a better place! Pressed Café, the new venue hosting February’s AWA panel was crowded with people who came to participate in this month’s discussion around the activist work, community-building efforts, and the Black feminist role-models who inspired our panel of incredible Black womxn: activist and community builder Maya McDonald, Meghan Wills, President and Chair of Parents for Diversity, and Deborah Owasu-Akeeyah, Campaigns and Outreach Officer at Oxfam Canada. McDonald introduced herself by reminiscing about what it was like to move to Ottawa nine years ago, and to begin building a community of friends and supporters for herself in the city. Even though she found it difficult to build community at first, throughout the years, her experience has taught her that community was possible anywhere in Ottawa. She shared her ever-present intention to “aggressively create positive spaces”, implying that that desire for community and unrelenting willingness to find and make it for herself has always propelled her forward throughout her time living in Ottawa. While chatting, McDonald had to remind herself that she intended to continue saying yes to different opportunities. She also noted that she, as a Black woman, has had to stop telling herself she was not enough when she faced challenges, and to remind herself that her life consisted of everything outside of her work. Asked about her personal Black feminist role models, she cited the important inspirational work that Cornerstone Housing For Women’s Chaplain, Rev. Canon Hilary Murray was doing, emphasizing how important and empowering it was for Black women using Cornerstone Housing for Women’s shelter and resources, to be seeing a woman who looks like them in that role. It is especially important for her to see representation in a variety of spaces, which makes it more impactful to see women like Dr. Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s community, where her extended family still lives, advocating for body positivity, anti-racism, and supporting women and marginalized genders at the provincial level. Wills introduced herself by commenting on how she considers herself a creative which requires vulnerability and this can mean a sensitivity to criticism about what she’s creating. She states the importance of understanding the existence of race based on skin color as a construct, which affects people’s lives and our overall society, daily. She relayed the details of a traumatic experience from her childhood during which she and a school mate were attacked while they were grade 6 students at the now-closed Merivale Public School in Ottawa. It was not until that incident occurred that she understood being a Black person in the world mattered in a way that was going to impact her negatively moving forward. Being a multi-racial Canadian, with a Nova-Scotian White mother and a Father of Jamaican descent, Wills struggled to see her mother’s household a safe space, and, during the discussion, she affirmed her intention to provide that sense of domestic safety and stability for her daughter. She constantly takes her daughter to places and events whenever she sees an opportunity for her daughter to witness Black women living and being themselves; Meghan understands her daughter will likely face injustice and discrimination because she can’t control that but she hopes tools like mindfulness practices, therapy and overall her sense of belonging within the Black communities will ground her enough to heal from it. Her role models include Soraya Lemur, the Director of Communication for the Michaelle Jean Foundation, Paula Whitemore from Curly Hair Designs, her daughter’s hairdresser who ensures that her daughter’s hair experience is positive, and her colleague at Parents for Diversity Mante Molepo. She also emphasized the importance of allyship with her White mentors and close friends including her bestfriend, Raven Ouellette. Debbie Owasu-Akeeyah introduced herself by noting, as McDonald had done, the fact that Ottawa is the kind of city that gives you the opportunity to create community, and that that isn’t necessarily available in bigger places like Toronto. She highlighted her love of Non-governmental organizations and all the work they do. She also spoke about her long-time involvement with rugby in the city, as well as the profound respect for, and the ever-present complicated relationship she has with her mother, as a Black queer woman. Owasu-Akeeyah spoke about how her mother was her role model, as a hair-dresser (always surrounded by Ghanaian auntees), a feminist, a full-time single mom to three children, as well as a formidable community organizer and leader. All three women wrapped up the discussion by reflecting on possibilities of being Black in the world that we are in now, compared to the past. They were honest, they were witty and they absolutely inspired Ottawa! Thanks so much to each of these incredible women, to Pressed Café and to our dedicated volunteers at Ask Womxn Anything! https://www.facebook.com/events/2615017235214300

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Insights from Ottawa's leading EDs PANELISTS Jaisie Walker Jen Crawford Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah Event Summary Coming soon

Let's Talk About White Fragility PANELISTS Debbie Owusu-Akeeyah Brigitte Pellerin Event Summary Coming soon

Human right to housing and gender based violence PANELISTS Erin Leigh Nora Al-Aleiwi Pamela Twagirayezu Event Summary Coming soon

Feminist twins PANELISTS Jenna Spagnoli Kayla Spagnoli Feminist twins Q&A Event Summary Dear Ottawa, take a look back on our September panel. Yes we are already reminiscing! This month, AWA hosted the Feminist Twins, a sibling partnership that promotes feminist organizations and causes. In this event, the discussion revolved around how to engage in activism and promote feminist values while living through Covid 19. The feminist twins are Jenna and Kayla Spagnoli. Jenna has a Master’s in Social Work from Carleton University. She inspired her sister Kayla to work in social justice and feminism. Kayla works at Minwaashin Lodge and loves her work advocating for Indigenous women and working against human trafficking. The idea behind the feminist twins was to create more spaces for feminists and feminist organizations. Both Jenna and Kayla were inspired through their volunteer work at Planned Parenthood Ottawa to become involved in feminist issues affecting Ottawa. First question: What is the best way to support the Feminist Twins during Covid? The pandemic has impacted all social events, including the biggest one that the Feminist Twins put on annually, called the Feminist Fair, which promotes feminist organizations and strives toward inclusion. While there are no in person events, the best way to support them right now is by interacting and sharing on social media and increasing community support. They also love being invited to speak at community events, even though these events are now virtual. How and why did you start this organization? It all started by visiting a Tumblr page; this ignited questioning of systems of oppression and inequality in society and in the Ottawa community. How do you channel your efforts? It is crucial to think critically and produce meaningful and engaging events which have a feel-good outcome and emotional response and we must ask ourselves how to make events as inclusive as possible. How do you remain energized? It’s important to take breaks from social media and engage in self-care in order to avoid burnout and we have a planning schedule. What gives you hope? Both Jenna and Kayla said that the engagement and activism of the younger generation is what inspires them and gives them hope for the future, that feminism is in capable hands. The fact that young people care about feminist issues is the most optimistic thing. What is your legacy? In their own words, “We would be happy knowing that our events have left a positive impact on folks in Ottawa, and that years from now people will think back on one of our events and remember it for having a positive or meaningful experience.” How do you take care of your mental health while still engaging in activism? They said that it is a marathon rather than a race so pacing is very important, attending to things, but also enjoying the moments in between and remaining positive. Crucially, it is a conscious decision to see the good, the effort and the continuous learning for the betterment of the community. For future events, they aspired to more community involvement and collaboration with other people and organizations and searching for creative ways to help the community through the pandemic. People can contact and get involved in projects by sending them an email, engaging on social media. The feminist twins have a website and would like to focus on antiracism and policing of BIPOC, and homelessness. Self-care makes them more effective activists. A great big thank you to the Feminist Twins and to all of our amazing volunteers for this epic community conversation! https://www.facebook.com/events/340189443696946

The Feminist Conversations (formerly Ask Women Anything) is a feminist program that invites panels of women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks to share their expertise in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Contact ​ Upcoming Events A Conversation on Institutional Accountability When Apr 27, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Where Ottawa, 1124 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X6, Canada Register Now

Womxn demanding climate justice PANELISTS Celeste Alcena Diane Beckett Shannon Chief Cherie Wong 1/1 Event Summary A pensive, introspective mood characterized this year’s last Ask Women Anything (AWA) panel, as the four climate activists who introduced themselves to the audience gathered at Bar Robo for the event on November 26th. This month’s participants included Indigenous Anishnabe activist Shannon Chief, Cherie Wong, an intersectional feminist and politico, community organizer and artist Celeste Alcena, and Diane Beckett, who works on environmental, climate, and sustainability issues. AWA’s moderator began the discussion by asking the participants to comment on the urgency that has marked climate activism in recent months. All of the panelists applauded the passion and commitment of climate activists today, by especially highlighting the important role youth groups and organizers have played with respect to climate justice as a movement. Chief emphasized the necessity of empowering today’s youth and letting their actions be guided by their elders’ wisdom and knowledge, especially because they will be responsible for rebuilding and restructuring society after climate justice has been achieved. Beckett emphasized the importance of the organizing work today’s young climate activists are doing, while noting that change will not occur unless the political will exists to affect it in today’s world and that it is essential that we make living sustainably on the earth more accessible and equitable. Wong agreed, and underscored the change in perspective that becomes possible because of activism, while at once pointing out that advocating in favour of changing our responses to climate crises causes people to shift their views on key issues, even if political change occurs slowly or is ultimately not possible. She also noted that both the ability to protest climate inaction and the choice to make personal decisions with respect to climate change⸻ by choosing to eat vegan, or to recycle, for example, or electing to buy organic rather than processed foods⸻ are privileges some groups enjoy and exercise while others cannot. All of the panelists highlighted the colonial nature of the Eurocentric/Western relationship to land and nature, which is one based on human domination and control over the earth and its resources. Alcena even suggested that it is necessary that humans think about and change the relationship we have to the land and the environment around us, by acknowledging the cyclical, interdependent connection we have with it. The panel ended with an audience member asking each speaker to tell a personal story that reflected on the advocacy work they were doing. In response, each of the speakers shared a personal anecdote, described a vision, or told of a meditative moment that enabled them to connect with other people and climate activists, to persevere, and to continue working towards a more hopeful, sustainable, and equitable future. Thanks so much to Bar Robo for hosting, to our volunteers for making this program what it is, and to Ottawa for coming out. Have a great Christmas and holiday season everyone and we will see you in January! https://www.facebook.com/events/454054078561922