Know your place, February 15

I love that the month of February is almost over and March is just around the corner? Ahh March with its melting snow, longer days and … International Women’s Day!

International Women’s Day is held annually on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights” Gloria Steinem.

We have much to celebrate. Just take a look at Canadian premiers these days! Women are leading six of 13 provinces and territories. It is a great time in our history to shine in Canadian politics.

Here is something to ponder from a time not too long ago. Widows and unmarried women were granted the right to vote in municipal elections only in 1884 in Ontario. At the beginning of 1919, the right to vote was extended to all women except Quebec, which did not do so until 1940. Wow.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Canadian Federation of University Women of Cornwall in partnership with the Cornwall Public Library, is showing the documentary Miss Representation by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The film explores how the media’s misrepresentations of women have led to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence.

It uncovers a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see and challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls. Media is the most persuasive force that is shaping our cultural norms. The average child consumes over 7 hours of media a day and teenagers over 10 hours a day.

This documentary is a must see for everyone over the age of 10 years old. Some content may not be suitable for younger viewers.

Date: Sunday, March 10^th, 2013

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: Cornwall Public Library, 45 Second E, Cornwall

Price of admission: We are asking people to bring a jar of peanut butter to support the Agape Centre.

Also, during the month of March, Politigal will be starting a new series! Our first series celebrated its conclusion with a dinner party at Schnitzels. Over a dozen like-minded women attended. During the pilot Politigal series, we learned so much from our very own city councillors: Councillor MacDonald and Councillor Clément. We also had the opportunity to connect with other city councillors from Ottawa and Kingston. These women shared with us a tremendous amount of insights and are driven to govern their communities with integrity.

Politigal is an opportunity, a way for women to become engaged and inspired in their community. We urgently need more female leaders to showcase their talents. Check us out and register for our next session: www.politigal.ca