How can we hold employers accountable for preventing sexual harassment?

2017-12-19T17:35:54+00:00September 24, 2015|Gender-based violence, Guest bloggers|

Woman in office smilingThe recent news of former Ontario premier and TO2015 chairman, David Peterson, being sued for sexual harassment marked the latest installment in an onslaught of high-profile reports of women being sexually harassed on the job.

Ximena Morris, a manager with the Pan and Parapan American Games, reports receiving numerous flirtatious remarks, unwanted hugs and comments of a sexual nature from Peterson, some of which humiliated her in front of colleagues and distinguished visitors associated with the Games.  More disturbingly still, Morris was reportedly told by HR and other senior officials within her organization to whom she complained about the sexual harassment to “let it roll off her back”, before ultimately being demoted.

Introducing 2015’s Michele Landsberg Community Award Winner: The “I Don’t Owe You” Campaign

2017-12-19T17:36:19+00:00September 22, 2015|Empowering girls, Gender-based violence|

I don't owe you posterSomeone helps you with your homework or offers to give you a ride home. You accept. You thank them. You’re texting back and forth, maybe flirting, maybe sending photos of yourself, and you get the sense that they want more. Even though you only wanted the homework help, or the ride, or the sexting, the person feels entitled to your body. And you’re not sure whether they might be right.

These scenarios are not uncommon among youth and young adults. But the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, in Halifax, wants you to know: “No one is entitled to your body—you don’t owe anyone.”

When it comes to consent, we all need to go back to school

2017-12-19T17:36:33+00:00September 17, 2015|Empowering girls, Gender-based violence, Sexual abuse, Women in media|

Teens taking selfieThis article was originally published on the Huffington Post.

Well, back-to-school season is in full swing—time for new backpacks, the latest tablet, and trips to IKEA to furnish the dorm room.

It’s also time to talk about sexual consent.

At college and university frosh weeks across Canada, presentations on conversations about consent and rape culture are increasingly being added to the usual picnics, movie nights, and pop up cafes. Some universities have worked with local women’s organizations to create brilliant educational campaigns, like this one at McMaster. At its Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse, Yukon College made informed consent the centerpiece of its entire orientation week. And it seems some post-secondary institutions will do just about anything to get the kids interested—in Halifax, Mount Saint Vincent University followed its discussion about consent with a round of sex toy bingo.

The Bravest Thing I Ever Did

2015-09-16T15:13:19+00:00September 16, 2015|Empowering girls, Gender-based violence, Impact stories, Women’s poverty|

Woman thinkingThere are hundreds of people in the room, but you can hear a pin drop. There are standing ovations. There are tears of sorrow and joy.  

These are some of the unforgettable moments that audiences experience at each Canadian Women’s Foundation Breakfast. It’s the Foundation’s signature fundraising event and, as the Manager of Special Events, I’ve been privileged to run it for the past 12 years.

If you’ve never been to the breakfast, you’re missing out on being a part of something huge. By attending, you are making an investment in the Canadian Women’s Foundation, which will better the lives of women and children across this country.