March events challenge sexism and racism

York is presenting lectures, films, seminars, conversations with playwrights and novelists, and self-defence classes to mark International Women’s Day (March 8) and International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21).


This year’s theme is Beyond Politically Correct: Challenging Sexism and Racism.


Organized by the March 8-21st Coalition Planning Committee and the Office of the Ombudsperson and Centre for Human Rights, this year’s events begin and end with special ceremonies.


The opening ceremony takes place March 8, on International Women’s Day, at the Student Centre 3-5pm. Mental health advocate Diana Capponi  will give the keynote address and motivational speaker Errol Lee will entertain.


The closing ceremony takes place March 21, on International Day for the Elimination of Racism, 1:30-3:30pm in the Underground. Community activist and educator Akua Benjamin will be the keynote speaker and drummer Muhtadi (right) and dancer Jasmyn Gibbons will entertain.


Events in between include:


March 8





  • Seminar – The Ethiopian Student Association gives a presentation and short video on issues affecting women in Ethiopia and Canada, 307 Atkinson Common Room 307, 3-5pm.





  • Speaker – Minoo Deraye speaks about the Question of Gender in the Quran, 109 Atkinson (Harry Crowe Room), 7pm


  • March 9



    • Screening – Marcos Amaral, fundraising director for Dignitas International @ York takes A Closer Look at the Politics of AIDS and introduces the film A Closer Walk, Room 321 Student Centre, noon-2:30pm.


    Right: Octavia Dlezi in a scene from A Closer Walk


    March 10



    • Seminar – Upfront Theatre presents a seminar on the Cycle of Violence, in Ross N812 (Faculty of Education) 2:30-4:30pm.

    March 15



    • Classes – Wen-do 12:30-2:30pm, and yoga 3:30-4:30pm are offered in the Tait MacKenzie Centre. Sponsored by Connecting Women, Body, Mind and Soul and Sexual Assault Survivors Support Line.

    March 16



    • Conversations – with playwright Trey Anthony (right), author of ’Da Kink In Her Hair, and native novelist and poet Lee Maracle, author of Ravensong, in the Student Centre Room 322 at 5pm. Sponsored by Women’s Studies Undergraduates & Centre for Women and Trans People, the event is titled: Fighting Battles for Our Lives Anti-Racist Feminism in Art, Academia and Activism.

    March 20



    • Seminar and panel discussion – York’s UNICEF Club presents a panel on Gender Discrimination in Basic Education, in Founders College Assembly Hall, Room 152, at 3pm.
    • Symposium – The Graduate Student Association presents Speaking Up, three speakers on the topic of violence against aboriginal women, in Room 430 Student Centre, 4-6pm

    March 21



    • Performance – The Centre for Women and Trans People & Akasa Art Gallery presents Performing Race & Gender: Art of Hybrid Identities, in Room 322 Student Centre, 1-6pm.
    • Forum – Access: A Woman’s Right, Winter’s College Dining Hall, 5-7pm.
    • Lecture – Visiting scholar Anthony Woodiwiss, sociology professor at City University, London, speaks in 109 Atkinson (Harry Crowe Room), 6pm