Happy International Women's Week!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK!

*CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS*

Volunteers are needed to sell Vagina Monologues tickets at the following times, so please let me know if you are able to help out at all. There’s a vag pop in it for you!!

Sell Tickets in Loyola:

Thursday: 2:30-4:00

Friday: Anytime between 1:00 and 6:30

Sell Tickets at International Women’s Day Event at the Olympic Centre (March 8^th), in the evening.

Sell Tickets at Mardi Gras at the Gorsebrook (March 8^th), in the evening.

Work the door on Friday or Saturday night at the show ( 6:30pm )

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

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*please distribute widely*

OVER 200 EXPECTED AT HALIFAX 'S INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY EVENT MARCH 8TH

For the first time in years, women and their supporters will be marching
through Halifax to recognize International Women's Day. Led by the zany
Radical Cheerleaders, over 200 are expected to turn out to protest the
closure of regional Status of Women offices. The group will be marching
from the Olympic Gardens on Cunard St to the Federal Status of Women
office on Quinpool Rd , which is slated to be closed on April 1st.

In addition to the closure of 12 of 16 regional offices, $5 million
slashed from their budget, and the elimination of funding for research
and advocacy groups, the Federal Government has removed "equality" and
"the political and legal participation of women" from Status of Women's
mandate.

In response, the public is invited to attend this year's International
Women's Day event, which will take place on Thursday, March 8th at the
Olympic Gardens. The evening starts at 6:30pm with a mock trial of
Stephen Harper, where local "Hali-famous" will hold the Prime Minister
accountable for cuts to women's and social programs. At 7pm the group
will begin the march, and at 8pm the evening continues with a speech by
South Africa 's Zubeda Dangor, and entertainment by local female talent.

"Harper's cuts constitute a war on women", says Kristel vom Scheidt,
member of Feminists for Just and Equitable Public Policy. "The
Conservatives are sending a clear message to the women of Canada that
they do not need our votes in the next Federal election."

This year's International Women's Day event will be a mix of dissent and
celebration, combining theatre, protest and entertainment. Admission to
the event is free, with donations going to Supportive Housing for Young
Mothers (SHYM).

For more information, contact Fiona Talbot-Strong at (902) 422-2933 or
981-6057.

On Thursday, March 8 at noon, come to the 4th floor of the Sobey building to mark International Women’s Day by learning about Women in South Africa . We are particularly fortunate in Nova Scotia and at Saint Mary’s University to welcome Dr. Zubeda Dangor, Executive Director of Nisaa Institute for Women's Development. She is also a Clinical Psychologist and teaches part time in Community Psychology at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa .

Come at 12:00 during your lunch hour or stay for more discussion until 1:30. The talk and discussion will take place in the Sobey Building on the Saint Mary's campus in the fourth floor lounge. The public is invited.

Dr. Zubeda will be speaking about Women issues in South Africa from her perspective as head of a Women's Group in the Johannesburg area, including Soweto . The group deals with issues of violence prevention, HIV/AIDS as well as women's empowerment and human rights

.

Sponsors include Oxfam, Saint Mary's University's Visiting Speakers Committee, Saint Mary’s Women's Centre, Voice of Women and CRIAW - NS.

For more information, contact Dr. Linda Christiansen-Ruffman at 420-5886 or Lindia Smith, Secretary, Sociology and Criminology

***For Immediate Release***

Contact: Holly Taylor

(902)496.8722

Halifeminist@Yahoo.ca

Saint Mary’s University

V-DAY SMU IS COMING!

V-Day SMU 2007

A Production of Eve Ensler’s

The Vagina Monologues

As Part of the V-Day College Campaign

· · · ·

THREE PERFORMANCES ONLY!

at the McNally Theatre Auditorium on Friday, March 9^th and Saturday, March 10^th. At the Khyber Centre for the Arts on March 11^th, 2007.

· · · ·

Who: The Women’s Centre at Saint Mary’s University

What: V-Day SMU 2007, a benefit production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues, raising funds for Bryony House

Where: McNally Theatre Auditorium and the Khyber Centre for the Arts

When: March 9^th, 10^th and 11^th, 2007

Admission: $7.00 for students, un/derwaged, $10.00 for fairly waged

Contact: Holly Taylor, 496.8722

Goal: To raise awareness, and stop violence against women and girls, to celebrate women’s sexuality and raise funds for our beneficiary – Bryony House

_____________________________________________________________

What is V-Day? V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler’s award-winning play The Vagina Monologues. In 2006, more than 2700 V-Day events in 1150 communities and colleges took place in the U.S. and around the world. To date, V-Day has raised over $35 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it, crafted international educational, media and PSA campaigns, launched the Karama program in the Middle East, funded over 5000 community-based anti-violence programs, reopened shelters, and funded safe houses in Kenya, South Dakota, Egypt and Iraq. The proceeds from these events are donated directly to local organizations in the community that are working to stop this violence.

The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina.

What is the College Campaign? The V-Day College Campaign strives to empower women to find their collective voices and demand an end to the epidemic levels of violence and abuse on their campuses, in their communities and around the world. Through benefit productions of The Vagina Monologues that take place between Valentine’s Day (February 14) and International Women’s Day

For the next 5 weeks, the Women’s Centre will be having FREE capoeira workshops on Fridays at 1pm-2:30pm in the group fitness room at the Tower.

Beginners are welcome- Come see what it’s all about!

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SMU WOMEN'S CENTRE PRESENTS

FEMINIST FILM FRIDAYS

FILM SCREENING MARCH 9, 2007

LOYOLA 274 3:30 PM

When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts
As the world watched in horror, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on August 29, 2005. Like many who watched the unfolding drama on television news, director Spike Lee was shocked not only by the scale of the disaster, but by the slow, inept and disorganized response of the emergency and recovery effort. Lee was moved to document this modern American tragedy, a morality play witnessed by people all around the world. The result is WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE: A REQUIEM IN FOUR ACTS. The film is structured in four acts, each dealing with a different aspect of the events that preceded and followed Katrina's catastrophic passage through New Orleans.

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Please forward far and wide!
Hey vulva lovers!
This is a reminder that submissions are being accepted for the RADICAL
VULVAS!!
Whoa! Hold on you may say, you may be asking, what are the Radical Vulvas?
Well! This is an evolved “write your own” version of the Vagina Monologues
that invites ALL PEOPLE to speak their mind (in any form)!!! So really, it
is whatever YOU the community makes of it! All forms of expression will be
accepted, monologues, dialogues, poems, songs, dances, paintings, photos,
live performance, zines etc…. whatever! All people are encouraged to write
about anything they feel is relevant to the “vulva theme”. The event is
hosted by V-Day Dalhousie and takes place on the 16th of March at the Bus
Stop Theatre 2203 Gottingen, Halifax at 8pm.

If you have an idea but are not sure how to get started, please! Contact us!
We have ongoing writing workshops as well as performance workshops & help!
We want you to express yourself!

To perform at the Radical Vulvas you must send a proposal to
vdaydalhousie@yahoo.ca by International Women’s Day. Either a copy of the
text or a short 100- 250-word paragraph will be accepted. You do not have to
submit a final product, only a brief outline to give us an idea of where
you’re going with your piece. Please include your contact info and any
equipment you require.

For further info about the Radical Vulvas please refer to the press release
attached.
Any questions please contact Jean Steinberg at
vdaydalhousie@yahoo.ca

Thanks & Vagina Love,
Jean

Jean Steinberg
Producer
V-day Dalhousie
vdaydalhousie@yahoo.ca

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Forwarded from HCAP:

1.

Women's groups in New Brunswick have produced this postcard which is making its way across Canada as an exciting tool for action. Download, print, distribute, and mail as many as you can: http://www.statusreport.ca/files/POSTCARD%20final%20ENG%20Feb%208.pdf

Michelle

Women's Network PEI
PO Box 233
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7K4

Phone (902) 368-5040
Fax (902) 368-5039
Web www.wnpei.org

*******************

2.

"If Women Counted" Film Screening and Discussion Saturday, March 10 2:00-5:00 PM Keshen Goodman Library, 330 Lacewood Drive, Halifax NS Free public event. Women don't miss this!

A special event in celebration of International Women's Day. Come to watch the powerful documentary "Who's Counting: Marilyn Waring on Sex, Lies and Global Economics". About this film, David Suzuki said, "I give the film and Ms. Waring every superlative - riveting, revealing, inspiring, etc.It penetrates to the heart of the global, ecological, and social crisis that afflicts the world. required viewing for all who know we are on a destructive path and want to get off." After the film, engage in a discussion about women's role, especially mothers' role, in society and the importance of women in government. If women counted, how would our world be different and better? Organized by the Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace and the Atlantic Advisory Committee on Maternity and Parental Benefits-Nova Scotia. For more information, please email Tamara Lorincz at tlorincz@ns.sympatico.ca or call 902-443-2423.

***************

3.

Women's Network http://www.womennet.ca/directory.php?browse&6

***************

4.

Feminist Activism in Conservative Times

Invitation and Registration Form

What: A one-day conference on feminist social activism.

Where: Conference Rooms, Keating Millennium Centre Antigonish, NS)

When: March 10, 2007, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Are you engaged in social activism, or interested in doing so? Are you concerned about the unequal distribution of wealth and power in Canada and the world? Do you feel passionately about the need to address racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, militarism and environmental degradation through organized action?

Feminist Activism in Conservative Times is a one-day conference held around International Women's Day that will engage feminist activists in a discussion about

these and other key issues. Participants will be invited to enter into a dialogue about past and present experiences

in feminist social activism, highlighting challenges as well as changing opportunities.

The main objectives of the conference will be:

1. To highlight and explore feminist activism in conservative times, from a number of entry points and perspectives.

2. To engage in a collective learning process about feminist social activism from an historical and global perspective.

3. To explore the direction of Canadian feminism and to consider the role of the state in assisting/posing challenges to feminist activism.

4. To identify new ways of working together across differences, valuing our separate identities while mapping our common goals.

5. To promote further engagement in feminist social activism.

You are cordially invited to participate in the upcoming conference, Feminist Activism in Conservative Times. Please review the agenda and, if interested in participating, please contact the Antigonish Women's Resource Centre no later than March 2, 2007. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the AWRC at 863-6221 (email: antig.women@ns.sympatico.ca).

We look forward to your participation!

Sincerely,

Conference Organizing Committee

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    Subject: Women Writers Online for Women's History Month

In celebration of Women's History Month, the
Women Writers Online

collection will be freely accessible during the month of March 2007

at http://www.wwp.brown.edu. WWO contains a fascinatingly varied

range of early women's writing: obscure religious prophecy,

midwifery, political satire, long melodramatic novels and
lyric

poetry, witty social commentary and philosophical reflection, dramas

both farcical and tragic, and travel narratives from places as

far-flung as Burma and Texas.

Women Writers Online is a full-text collection of early modern

women's writing in English, encoded in TEI/XML and published using

the Philologic search engine developed at the University of Chicago.

The collection is developed by the Women Writers Project at Brown

University, founded in 1988 by faculty in an effort to increase the

visibility and availability of women's writing for teaching and

research. The project's research focuses on the challenges of using

detailed TEI markup to represent early printed books, and on issues

of digital scholarly
communication.

In 2007-2008, the WWP is conducting an NEH-sponsored series of

seminars on scholarly text encoding with TEI. For more information on

this series, please see

http://www.wwp.brown.edu/encoding/seminars/index.html

Your feedback and thoughts are welcome! Enjoy the collection.

Best wishes, Julia

Julia Flanders

Director, Women Writers Project

Brown University

<3holly.

So Many Vaginas!

1- Zine
2- Writing Contest
3- International Women's Day
4- So Ann Auguste Lecture Postponed
5- Vagina Monologues
6- Radical Vulvas
7- Clothing Swap/ Free Store
8- Stitch 'n Bitch

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1-Zine

Just a reminder that the theme for this month's zine is Body Image.
Please send any submissions to halifeminist@yahoo.ca or drop them off at the Women's Centre, 526 Student Centre.

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2- Writing Contest

The deadline has been extended for the writing contest, until Monday, March 5th.

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3- International Women's Day

Please distribute widely (poster attached).....hope to see some of you there! PUTTING EQUALITY BACK ON TRACK AT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WHEN 6-12PM, 8 March, 2007 WHERE Olympic Centre (corner of Cunard and Windsor) WHAT 6PM - Mock Trial for Stephen Harper 7PM - a march of protest to the (soon to be eliminated by Harper’s cuts) Status of Women office on Quinpool Road 8PM - a celebration of local women’s talent and powerful feminist resistance -- EVERYONE WELCOME! FREE ADMISSION CASH BAR AVAILABLE Featuring the words of internationally renowned activist for women’s rights, Zubeda Dangor, and the talent of numerous local female performers. The march will be led by The Radical Cheerleaders and The Raging Grannies STAND UP FOR CANADA’S WOMENConservative Cuts are Changing Your Canada

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4- So Ann Auguste Lecture Postponed

Canada Haiti Action Network – Réseau d’Action Canada-Haïti
50 Laurel St. Ottawa, Canada K1Y 3C9
(613) 864-1590
www.canadahaitiaction.ca
Media Release

Haitian democracy activist to speak in Ottawa, Toronto

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2007

Ottawa -- The speaking tour to five Canadian cities of Haiti political rights figure Annette "Sò Ann" Auguste has been postponed to later in the year. Her health does not permit travel at this time.

Tour organizers have announced that Haiti political rights figure Patrick Elie will speak in place of Auguste at events in Ottawa on February 28 and Toronto on March 2. In Vancouver, a planned March 5 event will now feature the Vancouver premiere of several films on the current political situation in Haiti.

The human rights situation in Haiti has taken a turn for the worse in the past two months. Despite the election of a government in February and April 2006 that clearly reflected the popular will for a return to sovereign and constitutional government, United Nations occupation forces have renewed armed assaults in popular neighbourhoods in the capital city Port au Prince in the name of pursuing "bandits" and "criminals". UN forces have fired indiscriminately in densely-populated neighbourhoods, including from helicopter gunships, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Meanwhile, scores of political prisoners continue to languish in Haiti's overcrowded prisons.

There are currently 9,000 UN-sanctioned foreign occupation soldiers in Haiti. Soldiers from Canada, France and the U.S. spearheaded a February 2004 overthrow (coup) of the elected government of Haiti. Canada provided extensive funding and political backing to a two-year, post-coup regime. That regime and its RCMP-trained police agency, the Haitian National Police
(HNP), were widely condemned for human rights atrocities. A September 2006 study published in the prestigious UK medical journal The Lancet reported 8,000 killings and 35,000 sexual assaults against women in the twenty-two months following February 2004 (see link below for the full report).

Canadian money has funded the justice system that, to this day, holds scores of political prisoners in Haiti's jails.

The new government of Haiti operates under severe constraints. It has 9,000 UN-sponsored foreign troops on its territory and is almost entirely dependent on foreign aid money to run its ministries and services. The previous elected government under President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, overthrown in February 2004, had its foreign aid funding entirely cut when it resisted demands to privatise its state-owned enterprises and reduce its spending on social services.

For more information on Patrick Elie's speaking engagements in Ottawa and Toronto, other information events, and on the current situation in Haiti, go to: http://canadahaitiaction.ca

Or contact one of the following:

Jean Saint-Vil, Ottawa (613) 482-2549
Kevin Skerrett, Ottawa (613) 864-1590
Kabir Joshi-Vijayan, Toronto (416) 731-2325
Roger Annis, Vancouver (778) 858-5179
Stuart Neatby, Haiti Action Halifax (902) 405-9480 hah@nspirg.org)

For the full report published in The Lancet:
http://www.ijdh.org/pdf/Lancet%20Article%208-06.pdf

For two reports on the current situation in Haiti, see this article from the
February 12, 2007 edition of Counterpunch,
http://www.counterpunch.com/carroll02122007.html

and this February 9 article from the Haiti Information Project:
http://www.haitiaction.net/News/HIP/2_9_7/2_9_7.html

Recent Patrick Elie interview:
CKUT Radio: Haiti - A Rough 2007: Patrick Elie comments on the latest UN
massacre
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=55&ItemID=11749

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5- The Vagina Monologues

Don't forget to pick up tickets! You don't want to miss this show.

It will be taking place on March 9th and 10th at Saint Mary's and March 11th at The Khyber (19+). All show will start at 7pm.

Tickets are for sale at The Women's Centre (526 Student Centre), Venus Envy, or in Loyola by Tim Horton's.

The price is $7 for students and un/der-waged, and $10 for fairly-waged individuals.

Or just stop by for a CHOCOLATE VAGINA LOLLIPOP. That's right. And what's even cooler, is that all proceeds from the show will go to Bryony House...

See you at the show!!

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6- The Radical Vulvas

A message from our vagina friendly sisters at the DWC…

Please forward far and wide!Hello radicalsIt is finally here, submissions are being accepted for the RADICAL VULVAS!!You may be asking, what are the Radical Vuvlas? This is an evolved “write your own” version of the Vagina Monologues that invites ALL PEOPLE to speak their mind!! So really, it is whatever YOU the community makes of it! All forms of expression will be accepted, monologues, dialogues, poems, songs, dances, paintings, photos…. whatever! All people are encouraged to write about anything they feel is relevant to the “vuvla theme”. The event will be hosted by V-Day Dalhousie and take place on the 16th of March to highlight March 8th as international women’s day.To perform at the Radical Vulvas you must send a proposal to vdaydalhousie@yahoo.ca by MARCH 8. Either a copy of the text or a short 100- 250 word paragraph will be accepted. Please include your contact info and any equipment you require.If you have an idea but writing is not your thing we will be holding a writing workshop on March 2nd at the Dalhousie Women’s Center 6286 South St. at 12pmFor further info about the Radical Vuvlas please refer to the press release attached.Any questions please contact Jean Steinberg at vdaydalhousie@yahoo.caThanks & Vagina Love,JeanJean SteinbergOrganizer & ProducerV-Day Dalhousievdaydalhousie@yahoo.cahttp://events.vday.org/2007/College/Dalhousie_UniversityUntil The Violence Stops...

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7- Clothing Swap/Free Store

The clothing swap/free store was a huge success- so much so that we have a Women’s Centre filled with bags of clothing that are leftover… there’s lots of awesome stuff and it’s completely free, so drop in anytime to look through them, or stop by next Monday, March 5th at noon... after that everything will be going to Bryony House!

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8- Stitch 'n Bitch

The stitch 'n bitch that was scheduled for 12 today will take place at 1:00.


<3

International Women's Day and More!

Hey There!

I hope everyone is having a super relaxing reading week, because the women's centre is going to be busy this week and next, which is International Women's Week!! Here's what is going on:

1- Feminist Film Fridays
2- Capoiera Workshop
3- Clothing Swap/ Free Store
4- Zine Making Workshop
5- Stitch 'n Bitch
6- Breakdance Workshop
7- So Ann Auguste
8- Discussion in the Centre
9- International Women's Day
10- The Vagina Monologues
11- New Books
12- Joe Doherty's Campaign Poster


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1- Feminist Film Fridays

Beginning this Friday, The Women's Centre will be having regular screenings of documentaries starting with Black Mother, Black Daughter, in honor of African History Month.

Date: Friday, February 23rd
Time: 12:00pm
Location: Loyola 275
Cost: FREE

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2- Capoiera Workshop

We will be continuing the capoiera workshops for women this week.
It is open to all skill levels and it is FREE!

Just come to the fitness room in the Tower on Friday, February 23rd at 1:00.

Don't forget your student I.D.

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3- Clothing Swap/Free Store

Bring in your retired clothing or just bring yourself! This is a great opportunity to get rid of the clothes that you no longer wear, or just to spruce up your wardrobe for free.

Where: Ozmon Boardroom, 5th Floor Student Centre
Date: Tuesday, February 27th
Time: 12:00pm
Cost: FREE

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4- Zine Making Workshop

In recognition of February as National Eating Disorder Awareness Month, we will be meeting in the Women's Centre to discuss the issues and create a zine with a focus on Body Image. Everyone is welcome.

Date: Wednesday, February 28th
Time: 2:00pm
Place: Women's Centre, 526 Student Centre

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5- Stitch 'n Bitch

In response to popular demand, the centre will be hosting a lunch hour of stitchin and bitchin. Open to knitters/sewers of all skill levels. Supplies provided.

Date: Thursday, March 1st
Time: 12:00pm
Location: Women's Centre, 526 Student Centre

Let's get knotty ;)

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6- Breakdance Workshop:

There will be another breakdancing class for women taking place in The Fitness Room in The Tower. Open to all skill levels.

Date: Friday, March 2nd
Time: 3:30- 5:30pm
Cost: FREE

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7- So Ann Auguste:

(media release)

Former Haiti political prisoner to speak across Canada"Even though they released me, I still am not free. There are other Sò Ann's still in jail."
HALIFAX – Haitian political rights figure and renowned folk singer Annette "Sò Ann" Auguste will speak in five cities across Canada from February 28 to March 6. Detained as a political prisoner in Haiti for more than two years, she will talk about her ordeal and about Haiti's present political situation. Her tour is organized by the Canada Haiti Action Network. Auguste will be speaking in Halifax at 6:30 PM on March 3rd at the Sobey Theatre Auditorium, Saint Mary’s University.
Auguste, 62 and a grandmother, was seized by US Marines on May 10, 2004 (Mothers Day) and spent the next two years and three months in a Port au Prince prison. She was one of several high-profile symbols of the repressive regime that followed a foreign invasion and violent overthrow on February 29, 2004 of the elected government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.In January 2006, Amnesty International declared Auguste a political prisoner. In August of that year, a judge dismissed flimsy charges against her. Her release was greeted with jubilation in Haiti and across the diaspora. In contrast, most Canadian government-funded human rights agencies and non-governmental organizations concerned with Haiti were silent during her two year-plus illegal incarceration.
During the 29-year Duvalier-family dictatorship and succeeding military juntas, Auguste lived in New York City where she was a democracy activist and protest singer. Upon returning to Haiti in 1994, she quickly became a prominent organizer and leader in the Lavalas Family party of Jean- Bertrand Aristide, whom she helped to re-elect in November 2000.Soldiers from Canada, France and the U.S. spearheaded the February 2004 overthrow (coup) of the elected government. U.S. soldiers kidnapped Aristide and his wife from their home on February 29 and flew them into exile in Africa. The post-coup regime drove many Lavalas Family leaders into exile; Auguste remained in the country.Canada provided extensive funding and political backing to the two-year, post-coup regime in Haiti. That regime and its RCMP-trained police agency, the Haitian National Police (HNP), were widely condemned for human rights atrocities. A September 2006 study published in the prestigious UK medical journal The Lancet reported 4,000 political killings and 35,000 sexual assaults against women in the twenty-two months following February 2004, most of which are attributed to the HNP or paramilitary death squads supportive of the regime. Canadian money has funded the justice system that, to this day, holds scores of other political prisoners in Haiti's crowded jails.

The new government of Haiti elected in February 2006 operates under severe constraints. It has 9,000 UN-sponsored foreign troops on its territory and is almost entirely dependent on foreign aid money to run its ministries and services. The Haitian government elected in 2000 had its foreign aid funding entirely cut when it resisted demands to privatize its state-owned enterprises and reduce its social services.
Annette Auguste will speak in Ottawa on February 28, Toronto on March 2, Halifax on March 3, Vancouver on March 5, and Victoria on March 6. For location of events and background on Haiti: http://canadahaitiaction.ca
For more information, contact:Jean Saint-Vil, Ottawa (613) 482-2549
Kevin Skerrett, Ottawa (613) 864-1590
Kabir Joshi-Vijayan, Toronto (416) 731-2325
Roger Annis, Vancouver (778) 858-5179
Stuart Neatby, Haiti Action Halifax (902) 405-9480, hah@nspirg.org
For more information on Annette Auguste, see this report:http://www.haitianalysis.com/2007/1/16/"i-still-am-not-free"-sò-Àn-meets-with-new-york's-haitian-communityFor a report on the current situation in Haiti, see this article from the February 12 edition of Counterpunch:http://www.counterpunch.com/carroll02122007.html


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8- Discussion:

At least 26 women, and as many as 49, have been brutally murdered in Vancouver by a pig farmer. As women, many of us specifically have very strong feelings about this tragedy, and we are holding a discussion group to share them with each other.

Date: Wednesday, March 9th
Time: 12:00pm
Location: Women's Centre, 526 Student Centre

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9- International Women's Day:

Putting Equality Back on Track

International Women’s Day Event

Date: March 8, 2007
Time: Starts at 6:00pm
Location: Olympic Centre on the corner of Cunard and Hunter St., Halifax

Mock trial of Stephen Harper, Protest March
and at 8 pm, a celebration of women’s talent and
feminist resistance.

Free Admission – Cash Bar

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10- The Vagina Monologues:

The Vagina Monologues are just around the corner! Get your tickets in advance at the Women's Centre, or at Venus Envy on Barrington St.

Ticket prices are as follows: Students, Un/der waged: $7., Fairly Waged: $10.

Saint Mary's, McNally Theatre Auditorium
Dates: March 9th and 10th
Time: 7:00pm

Khyber Centre for the Arts (With Christina Martin) 19+
Date: March 11th
Time: 7:00pm

The Radial Cheerleaders will be there too!!

Don't miss it!

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11- New Books:

Just a reminder that we are now expanding our library on a monthly basis, and these books are available for anyone to use.

In addition to this semester's Women's Studies textbooks, and 2 gender neutral children's books (to help make our centre as comfy as possible for our awesome little visitors),we also have the following new additions to our library:

-The Unprocessed Child: Living without School, by Valerie Fitzenriter
-Pornified, by Pamela Paul
-Sex, Work and Sex Work: Eroticizing Organization, by Joanna Brewis
-Insecure at Last: Losing it in our Security Obsessed World, by Eve Ensler (author of The Vagina Monologues)
-The Mommy Brain: How Motherhood makes us Smarter, by Katherine Ellison
-Race against Time, by Stephen Lewis


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12- Joe Doherty Campaign Poster:

Concerning the recent SMUSA election, I would like to raise a point about a smutty campaign poster that was used in Joe Doherty’s campaign for President. The posters depicted him standing above an open mouthed woman, pouring “milk” into her mouth. At first glance, the image may be mistaken for a classic cumshot… after a closer look however, it becomes evident that it is in fact a campaign poster designed in poor taste to appeal to the male chauvinist population at SMU.

The posters were out of line. As a woman, I know that I am personally offended by the demeaning manner in which the female in his poster is portrayed, and I would be more comfortable knowing that I did not have to be subjected to such discriminatory imagery in the future.

This is the type of example that we do not want to set for students, and I encourage anyone who feels the same way to let SMUSA know.


With so much going on over the next couple of weeks, I hope to see lots of you!


Happy Reading Week!
Holly.

Hello Friends!

I am back from my trip (and it was absolutely incredible!).. but it's nice to be home too.

I have a lot of forwards to pass on to you all, but first, I'd like to thank everyone that helped with, and came out to the open house, and made it such a success!

The winner of the door prize for a $50.00 gift certificate for Venus Envy is:

Ruth Shorten! Congratulations Ruth! :)

Also, today is the Student's Day of Action, so bundle up and brave the cold so that we can demonstrate our intolerance of the unjust tuition fees being charged.

We're going to rally at Victoria Square (corner of Spring Garden and South Park) at 1:00 and we'll be layin down some radical cheers, so don't miss it!!

And tonight will be the SMUSA Executive Candidates Debate from 7-9pm in the McNally Theatre Auditorium. I encourage everyone to come out and familiarize yourself with the campaigners- they will be working for YOU next year! Also, we have 6 women that are running, so make sure you take the time to consder their platforms- it's important to have female representation within the Student's Association!


Now for the forwards:


Dalhousie Legal Aid is proud to announce that we now have a comprehensive tenant rights website. Check us out!

http://tenantrights.legalaid.dal.ca/

You can access our plain language tenant rights guide here, and find out when our tenant rights dropins are around the city. There are also links to government forms as well as the number for our phone info line. We're really excited that now, in addition to our local drop ins and workshops, and along with our tenant info phone line, tenants (and advocates!) from around the province can access information about their rights no matter where they are in the province.

Hooray!


Megan Leslie
Community Legal Worker


Dalhousie Legal Aid Service
2209 Gottingen St.
Halifax NS B3K 3B5
t: 902.423.8105
f: 902.422.8067

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Hi Everyone!!My name is Marion Fennell and I am a single parent here on campus.This semester, I am happy to be working closely with Christie Wagg atthe DWC to get a volunteer, parent run child care program off the ground here at Dal (Yes, that means you guys!).Christie and I have a basic framework in mind:- Two volunteers every saturday (on a rotational basis - the morepeople we get the less saturdays you will be needed) to come from 12-4 (or 1-4...you guys decide) to look after kids for any of the otherparents who want to drop them off to be able to study, do groceries,go out with a friend, etc.

ALSO-A monthly Saturday afternoon activity for the kids (sledding, the Dal Funzone, the Discovery Centre, etc.) that keeps them happy and alsogives parents an opportunity to socialize with each other.-An up-to-date list of interested parents and their contactinformation that can be distributed among us so that parent swaps can be arranged at the individual level.At the moment, our list is critically lacking phone numbers. We wouldbe so grateful if interested parents can send them along so we can addthem to our list. Let us know if you would be willing to have your number added to a list that we can give out to each parent, so that wecan all link up, and find someone to help us when needed :)

e-mail your phone numbers ASAP, so that we can contact you more regularly, and let you know of upcoming events. Also mention if this phone number is for Christie and I only, or if you would be willing toput it on the swap list. To make this quick and easy send the number to marionjfennell@gmail.com AND christiewagg@gmail.comMarion


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Inspired by the same conference as Atlantic Waves (AND we will be there presenting):


Greetings from the Vancouver Feminist Action Project, We're a group of undergraduate
students and community activists who are hosting a conference on third wave feminism(s) from May 24 - 26 2007

This group was inspired to come together after the first national conference on third wave feminism(s) in Edmonton, May 2006. Thi second annual conference is titled Feminism(s): Strengthening the Ties and will be held in Vancouver, BC. This conference will continue to focus on the work of undergraduate feminists, while including feminists from graduate programs as well as activist and business communities. The idea is to begin bridging the gaps between different feminist groups so that stronger networks and a more cohesive movement will emerge

We recognize that feminism has become a movement marked by challenges both from within and without. These have resulted in fragmentation. We believe that we can re-establish a strong network of feminists that can collaborate on an issue-to-issue basis to effect powerful social action. Part of healing and rebuilding will include creating environments for learning, debate, discussion, and networking: such as this conference We want to facilitate an environment where challenging our own and each other's ideas is accepted as a valid, constructive part of the journey towards understanding and not a personal attack. We hope to create new interactions between activists, academics students, and others; to strengthen ties between different branches of feminism through sharing knowledge and experience. This conference will showcase and increase the representation of feminists and feminist organizations. We are looking for presentation proposals for our conference.

Please send an abstract to feminisms@gmail.com by March 1st, 2007 Presentations can be either 20 or 30 minutes long, including discussion. Please see Guidelines for Submissions below for more details. We welcome submissions that reflect research or activism related to a range of topics that fall under the scope of feminism. Please refer to our website www.feminisms.ca for more information. We welcome participants of all genders, abilities, and backgrounds

Topics include but are not limited to: racism, first nations' issues, sexuality, gender and trans gender issues, health, the "justice" system, sustainable living, media representations, poverty, economics, mental health, HIV, pornography, sex trade work and legislation, sex trafficking, globalization, colonization, and violence.

We welcome feedback, questions, and requests for more information. Please contact us at feminisms@gmail.com.

*Submissions Guidelines:* In your submission, please include the following:
1) The title of the presentation
2) A 500 word (approx)summary of the presentation including a. Your objectives b. How the presentation fits into the framework of "Feminism(s): Strengthening the Ties" c. The method/manner in which the presentation will be conducted (ex. Number of presenters,multimedia elements, interactive elements, etc)
3) The length of the presentation should be either: a. 20 minutes (with 10min discussion) OR b. 30 minutes (with 15 min discussion)
4) Depending on if the submission is on behalf of an organization or an individual, please include brief organization description or a bio of yourself and your contact information
5) Email submissions are preferred, but not required

Thank you!

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS - March 1st, 2007
Please send your submission attention Program Committee at: feminisms@gmail.com OR Vancouver Feminist Action Project
Grandview RPO
P.O. Box #78074
Vancouver, BC
V5N 5W1 -- > Thank you for your time, Conference Coordinators Feminism(s): Strengthening the Ties
Vancouver Feminist Action Project> feminisms@gmail.com> www.feminisms.ca


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Hello Vagina Lovers!!! Hope all is well! Just letting you know about our VAGINA WEEK which lead up to the show itself!

The VAGINA MONOLOGUES is on the 12, 13 & 14 of February starting at 7pm. All this week we are selling TICKETS! The tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door!

You can get tickets at the Dalhousie Women’s Centre- 6286 South St. or at Venus Envy- 1598 Barrington Street. You can also get tickets at the Dalhousie SUB from 10-4 from Monday-Friday. Or at the University of King’s College on Tuesday from 10-4.

For more information please contact Jean at vdaydalhousie@yahoo.ca

WEDNESDAY- Vagina YOGA & BELLYDANCING! Come on out and work out the kinks! Wednesday, February 7, 6pm at the Dalhousie Women’s Centre (6286 South Street, right next to the Dalplex driveway). Cost: 5$ (sliding scale).

THURSDAY- She-She Boutique. Looking for a way to treat yourself? Looking for that perfect gift for a special someone? Then you’re looking for the Chi Chi Boutique! Local retailers and artisans will be showcased as will Vag Pops and some awesome raffles. Thursday, February 8, 11-3 in room 204 of the Dal Student Union Building (6136 University Ave.)

FRIDAY- Pleasure Party and Potluck hosted by Venus Envy and V-Day Dalhousie. Enjoy some yummy dishes and treats while getting the best deals on how to get down with yourself (and maybe someone else!). Friday, February 9, 6pm at the Dalhousie Women’s Centre (6286 South Street, right next to the Dalplex driveway). By Donation for V-Day.

Don’t forget to pick up your TICKETS for the VAGINA MONOLOGUES!

Thanks and vagina love,
Jean

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Leslie Menagh wrote:

Hi, Starting this coming Monday night, a new club at NSCAD will be featuring free films (or by donation) in partnership with The Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group.

Our first film is documantary called Wal-Town. Directed by Sergeo Kirby, Wal-Town is an effort to examine, expose and ultimately resist the negative impact that multinational retailers such as Wal-Mart have on Canadian communities and international human rights.

Come watch and then discusss with the makers of the film themselves (yup, they're going to be here in the flesh and are seeking billets, so let me know if
you're interested in putting up a film-maker/activist for a couple days). Bring your fine self and/or a friend or two

Bell Auditorium at NSCAD University
4th floor, 5163 Duke St.
8:30pm

Please see http://www.onf.ca/webextension/wal-town/ and www.waltown.com for more information on the movie.

And contact foci@nspirg.org for
more information regarding the screenings, auteurs and the film programming schedule or visit >http://www.cinemapolitica.org/halifax/

Please forward this on to anyone you think would be interested.

All the best,
Leslie Menagh





Hello everyone. This is a notice about a forum we are organizing to take place in Antigonish on March 22 and 23. This is part of the Face to Face Project that I have been working on for the past couple of years.

I'll attach the notice to this message as an RTF document, and paste it below in the body of this message. Please contact me if you are interested in participating, and I encourage you to share it with anyone who you think might be interested:

women affected by the social assistance policy, people who work with low-income single moms, people who teach or work as support staff in post-secondary education institutions, etc. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have or to hear any comments you would like to make.

(902-863-5212 or 902-364-2232) Katherine Reed

A Hand Up: Improving Nova Scotian Single Mothers' Career Options
A forum organized by the Face to Face ProjectSponsored by the Antigonish Women's Resource CentreFunded by the Public Health Agency of Canada

When: March 22 and 23 (Thursday and Friday)
Where: Keating Millennium Centre, St. F. X. University, AntigonishWho: People interested in educational supports for single mothers on social assistance
Why: Because our knowledge and experience can help governments, institutions, and organizations foster the independence and well-being of single mothers and their families If you are as hopeful as I am about the potential for single mothers on social assistance to build sustaining and rewarding careers, I invite you to participate in this policy strategy forum.

By thinking and acting together, we can address barriers that single moms face and open up new avenues for educational achievement and economic self-reliance. There has been a focus in recent years on moving social assistance recipients to self-reliance. We must provide "a hand up instead of a hand-out" as they say. Policies and programs have been re-shaped and new ones introduced to provide people with incentives and supports, mainly to help them earn college credentials so they can qualify for a more rewarding job. What is not yet fully understood by social policy decision-makers is that this type of "hand up" must provide a firm enough grip to truly pull a person up to the level of self-reliance.

To be effective, policies and programs must recognize the specific needs and resources of the people they serve. Elements of the new policies and programs are not achieving their stated objectives because they do not recognize some of the specific barriers to educational success faced by single mothers, or they do not adequately address those barriers, or they are not effectively building on the strengths of the women. Issues such as these have been identified in the Face to Face Project through interviews with women who have experience with the social assistance system and the human service personnel who assist them.

A literature review was also done. We analyzed the information gathered, and developed a short list of recommendations for improving the education and training supports for single mothers on social assistance in Nova Scotia. At the forum we will consider these recommendations and develop strategies for advancing them.

Your knowledge and input will make a difference. Please join us!

For more information call Katherine Reed at 902-836-5212, or email <reebing@ns.sympatico.ca>

I look forward to see you all!

<3Holly.

Tell the Prime Minister what you want this Valentine’s Day!!

Come to the Valentine’s Postcard Launch!!

Date: February 14th 2007
Time: 10:30 am
Where: YMCA 2269 Gottingen St.
Why: Because you want equality for women!

Performances by The Raging Grannies and The Radical Cheerleaders!!

STAND UP FOR CANADA’S WOMEN!!!

Conservative cuts are changing YOUR Canada.

http://www.thewomenareangry.org/


The SMUSA Executive election will be taking place tomorrow, February 14th and February 15th. Please take the time to consider the platforms and be informed when you
vote. Three female candidates have sent me their platforms and I am going to include them in this email for your considration.


My name is Jennifer Schwartz and I would love to be your VP Internal for the coming year. I feel as if I possess the determination, drive, experience and passion to do the job exceedingly well. I am currently the representative for Students with Disabilities on Students Representative Council and was named Sophomore of the Year at last year’s Charter Day Awards. But enough about me…. Some of my goals for the upcoming academic year include:

Increase Overall Communication:Between Faculty and Staff, Residence Advisors, Students, Societies and SMUSA as a general body. I believe that in attempting to network these groups around campus we will become more unified and progress more effectively.

Increase Involvement in and awareness of events:When I first started at Saint Mary's as a frosh, involvement in events was at a high and I really got a lot out of the people around me who were excited to be here. I'd like to see that be brought back as the spirit of Saint Mary's, beyond just frosh week. Along with this, I propose to start a "spirit committee" of sorts to try and bump up hype at our events, and make us all proud to be affiliated with Saint Mary's.
I propose to increase involvement in events by: making better use of the means of communication that exist on campus such as the SMUSA message boards, The Journal etc. Also, I'd like to cater to all students by increasing the quality of SMUSA events and having a variety of different events throughout the year.

More Efficient Society Database and Guidelines:Currently. The society database exists on only the bare minimum of information that is needed. This is because societies are expected to input their own information. On top of this, concrete dates for ratification will be put in place, as the current executive has begun to look into it now. I believe that by creating a more effective society database, this will encourage many more people to get out and get involved with societies that interest them.

Continue to work on issues that matter to the students:Since SMUSA first introduced the idea of the opportunity bursary for students in financial need, I was on board with the idea. I think it's a fantastic initiative that needs to continue growing into the new academic year and beyond. With the introduction of a dental plan, and the ongoing work with Health services and Metro Transit I will work to ensure the best possible services are offered to the students on a day-to-day basis.

Bring Fresh New Ideas to SMU, For example, Bottles for Bursaries Program:One of the things I am the most excited about is a new idea I had. I’ve already spoken to SMUSA and Facilities Management, and this project has a high chance of succeeding. Have you ever thought about the lack of proper recycling facilities around campus and in residence? It turns out that the money for all of our recyclables as it stands now is going to an external company!

So: I propose a program that will take funds generated from an internal and external bottle drive to raise money for the SMUSA Opportunity Bursary for Students in financial need. This way, we as students help the earth and other students at the same time.

I want to do this job more than anything! SMUSA's motto is: "Students Working for Students. I want to be a voice for you. I want to help all SMU students a sense of pride in this university, and get the most out of their post-secondary experience as is possible.

Thank you for your time! Your Voice. Your Choice.

Wednesday and Thursday don’t forget to Vote Schwartz for VP Internal


My name is Courtney Schaller and I'm running for the position of VP Academic in the SMUSA executive election this week. I believe it is very important to have a female representative on the executive.

Experience:Fourth Year Science student - biology, chemistry, and forensics
-Vice President Finance for the SMU Chemistry
-Assistant and TutorFrosh Facilitator
-SMUSA Volunteer

Objectives:
Reassess policies regarding testing in the last week of classes.
Implement an updated Degree Navigator.
Continue to develop the online professor review.
· Improve the online book exchange and tutor database.
· Keep students informed regarding all academic deadlines and events

Voting starts tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th) at 9am and runs until Thursday at 5pm.
Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,
Courtney Schaller




Hello Everyone! My name is Julie Thompson and I am running for VP Internal in this year's SMUSA elections. I really want to make some great changes next year, especially in regards to child care and funding for societies. These are some of the issues that I want to work on if elected:

Daycare: Work with the Administration of Saint Mary's to fund spots in the on campus daycare for single parent students and students with financial difficulties.

:Work with the Saint Mary's Women's Centre to create an after school program for children of SMU students.

Societies: Change the existing policy to allow societies to access 70% of their cost per event instead of the current 50%. Liaise with the heads of the societies to make the administrative process of funding as smooth as possible.

Communications: Have posters up two weeks prior to events happening on campus. (I also want to work closely with the Women's Center to advertise events they are planning)e mail and Facebook notifications for upcoming events.

Working With the Executive: with local businesses, along with the VP External and VP Finance, to obtain discounts exclusively for SMU students. •Negotiate with food services and local restaurants, along with the VP External and VP Finance, to allow students to use their meal cards off campus.

Looking forward to having your support!
Julie Thompson


Please distribute widely...
CALL FOR PAPERS
Association for Research on Mothering (ARM)
11th Annual Conference!

Maternal Health and Well-Being
(physical, psychological, social, economic, sexual, political and spiritual issues) October 19-21, 2007

Deadline for Submissions: March 1, 2007
We welcome submissions from scholars, students, activists, health care professionals and other health workers, artists, mothers and others who work or research in this area. Cross-cultural, historical and comparative work is encouraged. We encourage a variety of types of submissions including academic papers from all disciplines, workshops, creative submissions, performances, storytelling, visual arts and other alternative formats.
Topics can include (but are not limited to):

<>maternal health promotion and education; globalization and maternal health; maternal health activism; reproductive justice; public policy and maternal health; the environment and maternal health issues; mothers and healthy living; maternal health and challenges within Indigenous communities; mothers with disabilities; mothers with illnesses; HIV/AIDS; breast cancer; mental health issues; postpartum depression; disease prevention; psychiatry; psychology; medicine; pregnancy; childbirth; breastfeeding; young mothers; mothers and aging; work and family balance; maternal nutrition; disordered eating; mothering children with disabilities; violence against mothers and children; sexual abuse, healing through the arts; addictions and recovery; raising healthy children; politics of reproduction; abortion; sterilization; maternal sexuality; maternal health promotion and education; LBGT maternal health issues; menstruation; menopause; mothers and the health professions; representations/images of mothers and health/well-being issues

If you are interested in being considered as a presenter, please send a 250 word abstract and a 50 word bio by March 1, 2007 to: http://ca.f561.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=arm@yorku.ca.

One must be an ARM member to present at the conference.
Membership forms and more information are available at http://www.yorku.ca/crm

Association for Research on Mothering
726 Atkinson, York University
4700 Keele Street, Toronto , ON , M3J 1P3
(Tel) (416) 736-2100 x 60366 (Fax) 416-736-5766
email us at http://ca.f561.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=arm@yorku.ca
or visit our website at http://www.yorku.ca/crm The Vagina MonologuesWednesday, February 14, 2007.Time: 7pm, doors
open at 6:30Location: Dalhousie Student Union, McInnes Room, 6136 UniversityTickets are on sale at the Dalhousie Women's Centre, Venus Envy and The Dalhousie SUB. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.Hope to see you there! Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues "is a celebration of female sexuality in all its complexity and mystery. The Vagina Monologues has been performed in cities all across America and at hundreds of college campuses. It has inspired a dynamic grassroots movement, V-Day, to stop violence against women. Witty and irreverent, compassionate and wise, Eve Ensler's Obie award-winning masterpiece gives voice to women's deepest fantasies and fears, guaranteeing that no one who reads it will ever look at a woman's body, or think of sex, in quite the same way again." V-Day is an entirely non-profit organization and every penny raised from the Vagina Monologues will be going towards Avalon Sexual Assault Centre (the only sexual assault centre in HRM) as well as Byrony House and Alice Housing (local shelters that provide support for women and children) and the Global V-Day Spotlight: Women in Conflict Zones. Please come out, have a great time, buy a vag pop and enjoy the show!

I’d appreciate it if you’d take the time to read this through and forward it to your SMU contact lists. That being said, I apologize to
those of you who have received this more than once.


ALSO:

Don't forget the about the free Women's Capoiera Workshop on Friday at 1:00 in the Fitness Room of the Tower!!

Just bring your SMU i.d.

Cheers!

Amazing News!! And lots of events...

Hey Everybody!

This will be the last e-mail you'll be getting from me for the next couple of weeks as I am leaving on Tuesday to attend the World Social Forum and Feminist Dialogues in Nairobi, Kenya. So exciting!!! We'll be giving a presentation on our adventures at SMU when we get back, so I'll be sure to let you all know about it :)

While I'm away however, Jane Hebert will be in the centre and available to assist anyone that needs something from the centre. Her email address is janehebert@hotmail.com.

There will be a lot going on over the next little while, so make sure you mark these dates on your calenders!

1- Vagina Monologues- Auditions and dates
2- International Women's Day
3- Essay contest
4- Tshirt logo design contest
5- Zine- call for submissions
6- Open house
7- Women's Studies textbooks
8- Workshops
9- AMAZING NEWS!!!

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1- Auditions for the 2007 production of The Vagina Monologues will be held next week . If you are interested in auditioning you can sign up on the door of the Women's Centre, or by emailing smuvagimons@hotmail.com. We will include anyone that wants to be a part of the show, so don't be intimidated! It's going to be a blast!

The show will be taking place on March 9th and 10th at SMU, and then on March 11th at The Khyber.

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2- Organization is also currently in progress for this year's celebration of International Women's Day. Although the official schedule has not been finalized yet, the tentative plans are as follows:

There will be an event including speakers and theatre at SMU, followed by a march and rally at Victoria Park, concluding at The Khyber where The Radical Vulvas performance will take place. Sounds like an evening of awesomeness to me :)

Stay tuned for details.

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3- This year's writing contest is now open, and the deadline for submissions will be Monday, February 26st. The topic is "Why does Feminism Matter". In light of recent and current circumstances surrounding the treatment of feminists in Canada, it is especially important to be thinking about this right now.

The winner will be given the opportunity to read their essay at the Vagina Monologues, and win some awesome prizes, such as a $50. gift certificate at Venus Envy, a Women's Centre tshirt, tickets to The Vagina Monologues and rad vagina earrings. The paper should be 500 words in length.

Submissions may be dropped off at the Women's Centre or sent by email to halifeminist@yahoo.ca.

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4- We are also currently holding a contest for a logo to print on our new tshirts. If you wish to enter, your design should contain the following information:

Saint Mary's Women's Centre
5th Floor Student Centre
496.8722

The winner will receive a tshirt with their design printed on it, tickets to The Vagimons and a $50 gift certificate to Venus Envy. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 1st.

Submissions may be left at the Women's Centre, or sent to halifeminist@yahoo.ca.

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5- We are now asking for submissions for our next zine. The theme is "Women and Relegion".

Again, the submissions may be left at the Women's Centre or sent to halifeminist@yahoo.ca.

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6- The Women's Centre will be holding an Open House on Thursday, February 1st. Friends, new and old , are invited to attend. If you've never been to the centre before, there's never been a better time to check it out. The open house will run from 12:00- 4:00, but the doors are usually open, so feel free to stop in anytime.

Yet another chance to win a $50. Venus Envy certificate just for stopping in!

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7- Just a reminder that our library is now stocked with SMU Women's Studies textbooks, so stop in to do your reading anytime!

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8- There will be breakdancing and capoira workshops for women being held on Fridays starting this week. Watch for posters around campus for details or email janehebert@hotmail.com.

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9- This is the most exciting news of all! As of April of this year, The SMU Women's Centre will be located in the former Travel Cuts space on the 5th floor of the Student Centre!!!

A very special thank you to Leah Bilodeau and Zach Churchill for recognizing the importance of our work on campus, and showing their support by making this happen. Thank you Leah and Zach!!!

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<3

Oxfam and Women's Rights

Meeting: Oxfam and WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Where: Oxfam office, 2099 Gottingen St.
When: Tuesday, January 16, 7 – 9 PM

Oxfam Canada is embarking on a five-year program on women’s rights, comprising the focus of both project and advocacy work overseas and campaigning and lobbying in Canada.

Here in the Maritimes, Oxfam wants to work with groups and individuals who are interested in and committed to women’s equality. Listed below are a number of elements that Oxfam’s work will embrace, starting this year. Oxfam wants to determine how best it can integrate its overseas perspectives on women’s rights with local issues, events and actions.

Kicking off Oxfam’s 5-year program on Women’s Rights, Oxfam Canada has decided that 2007 will be a ‘Year for Action on Women’s Rights’. This most critical issue for international development will have a number of elements:
· A gendered focus on Essential (public) Services, such as public access to water, education and health care;
· Women’s Rights and HIV/AIDS;
· Women’s Rights and Labour Rights (including sweatshop issues);
· Violence Against Women, or Gender Based Violence

The meeting on January 16 will have three parts:
1. A brief discussion on the links between local and global action on women’s rights.
2. How local actions can support the global struggle for women’s rights and how Oxfam, with its experience and connections as an international development agency, can strengthen local struggles.
3. In the short term, Oxfam wants to engage volunteers to help with organizing events for International Development Week (Feb. 4 – 10) and International Women’s Day (March 8).

If you are interested in attending the meeting – either as a ‘one-off’ to contribute to the content of the discussion or to possibly become further engaged in Oxfam’s Women’s Rights work – please contact Brian O’Neill at briano@oxfam.ca, or 425-7877.


Brian O'Neill
---------------
Brian O'Neill, Canadian Program Officer, International Financial Institutions Oxfam Canada 2099 Gottingen St. Halifax NS B3K 3B2 Tel.: (902) 425-7877 e-mail: briano@oxfam.ca web: www.oxfam.ca
Join the Big Noise and help Make Trade Fair www.maketradefair.com

Oxfam Canada e-Alerts is a periodic email service providing notice of urgent Oxfam news, campaign actions and updates. Join the e-Alerts Community and become part of virtual campaigning force that is tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice around the world. To subscribe visit http://www.oxfam.ca/eSubscriptions/index.htm