Support from community partners expands impact 

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON- March 17,2022): The Algoma University community recently joined countless individuals and organizations across the globe in celebrating International Women’s Week. The week’s activities, which took place between March 7 and 11, provided an opportunity to recognize the many contributions of women in all aspects of society while continuing ongoing efforts towards the achievement of gender equality in Canada and around the world. 

This year, Algoma University hosted an assortment of virtual events, in partnership with several community organizations, focusing on the 2022 theme of #BreaktheBias. This theme reminds us of the collective goal to deconstruct the conscious and unconscious biases in our communities, workplaces, and schools. The week kicked off with a recognition campaign, followed by guest speakers, seminars, and finished off with an engaging and inspiring panel discussion of women leaders within the Algoma University Community. 

“On behalf of Algoma University’s Sexual Violence Task Force, and the entire AU community, I would like to thank everyone who participated in and presented at the third annual International Women’s Week events,” shared Brianne Pringle, Director, People and Culture; Chair, Algoma University Sexual Violence Task Force. “Without the contributions of our speakers and community partners, this week-long series of events would not be possible. As we strive for equality, in a multitude of areas, it is critical to work together to break the bias.”

An interactive presentation for students was hosted by the Algoma Community Legal Clinic, with guest speakers from both Women in Crisis (Algoma) Inc, and from the Sault Ste Marie Sexual Assault Care Centre. Students also had the opportunity to hear from sexual trafficking survivor Karly Church, a survivor, now turned advocate for survivors of human trafficking. The end-of-week panel discussion reflected on the importance of #BreakingtheBias and important considerations for future generations of women.

“In recognition of International Women’s Week the Sexual Violence Task Force at AU, together with the Algoma Community Legal Clinic, presented a webinar to students on sexual harassment in the workplace,” shared Jill Hewgill, Licensed Paralegal, Algoma Community Legal Clinic. “We would like to thank the Sexual Assault Care Centre and Women in Crisis for participating in this training event and providing valuable information on the services available to students who are experiencing sexual harassment/sexual violence.”

To learn more about how Algoma University recognized International Women’s Week, click here. 

Special thank you to the following people and groups: Algoma Community Legal Clinic, Women in Crisis (Algoma) Inc, Sexual Assault Care Centre (SSM), Karly Church, Rimaz Abakar, Mary Wabano-McKay, Dr. Nirosha J. Murugan, Dawn White, Aseel Hashim, and Brittany Paat.

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