File photo. Gospel singer Rebecca Malope at the celebration of Women’s Day in Pretoria, South Africa on August 9, 2012. (GovernmentZA / Flickr)
The Brandon University Women’s Collective has organized a week of activities leading up to the celebration of International Women’s Day. Every day from March 4th to 8th, there will be various events open to people of all genders where gender issues and sexual health will be discussed.
On Monday, March 4th, the Women’s Collective will have a session entitled “Let’s Stop Violence against Women,” from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm in the Mingling Area. There will be a large sheet of canvas and paint for individuals to place their handprints as a pledge that their hands will not be used to abuse another person. There will also be informational material available regarding violent relationships, rape, stalking, and contact information for trained individuals available to help in those situations.
Also on March 4th, there will be a self-defence course held in the Elephant Room from five to seven o’clock. A trained male professional will be hosting the informative session to help you learn how to defend yourself if you are ever attacked. This event is open to individuals of all genders. There will be a healthy snack provided following the course.
On Tuesday, March 5th, the documentary “The Codes of Gender” will be shown on the projection screen in the Mingling area from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm The documentary identifies the media’s influence on the societal norms placed on both men and women. There will also be information on self-esteem and self-love.
Additionally, the Women’s Collective will be showing a Disney movie, to be decided by attendees, on Tuesday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. There will be a discussion during the movie about the possible messages of gender norms and societal expectations. There will be snacks provided and the event is open to people of all genders.
On Wednesday, March 6th, the Women’s Collective has organized a talk about men in society. Information will be available about the expectations placed on men that often go unnoticed. Anyone interested in discussing this matter is encouraged to stop by and talk about any problems they might have about these issues.
There will be a craft night on Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the Elephant Room. The Women’s Collective will be providing the material for designing t-shirts or canvas bags. Attendees are to bring their own canvas bags or t-shirts, preferably light-coloured, where they can have a logo placed on it. There will be snacks provided and all interested individuals may attend.
On Thursday, March 7th, a sexual health both will be set up from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the Mingling Area. Free male and female condoms, free lubricant, information regarding sexual health, and free genital-shaped cookies will be provided. There will also be condom races, which may or may not be exactly what it sounds like.
Also on Thursday, there will be erotic bingo at SUDS from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. It is free to play bingo and an opportunity to win some sexy prizes. There will also be erotic-themed drinks available.
Friday, March 8th is International Women’s Day. To celebrate, a “Women of Distinction” PowerPoint presentation will be shown in the Mingling area from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The presentation will show inspirational females from across Canada.
To end the week, a Disney-themed social is planned for Friday night from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite Disney characters. There will be 50/50 draws, raffles, and prizes available. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $7 at the door.
The Women’s Collective meets every Monday at 2:30 pm in their office on the second floor of the Knowles Douglas Building. The collective is open to people of all genders and discusses feminist issues on- and off-campus.
Republished from The Quill print edition, Volume 103, Issue 23, March 5, 2013.