International Women’s Day

Presented by Victoria Arts Council and Kulea Culture Society in partnership with Cinevic Society of Filmmakers

International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards achieving gender equality and raise awareness about the work left to be done. The roots of this day are found in the labour movements of the early 20th century. The first IWD was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The United Nations recognized 1975 as the International Women’s Year and later adopted a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day. Celebrating this day invites us to reflect and act on the rights and equality of women, gender-based violence as well as the role of women in leadership and democracy. It prompts us to collaborate not only in Canada but around the world. It urges us to walk together with Black, Indigenous and racialised communities against all kinds of inequality.

This year Kulea Culture Society cooperates with Victoria Arts Council to celebrate IWD in Blue Ridge Theatre. The event starts with a celebration of trailblazing women from our diverse communities. Each woman answers the question “Who is your Shero?” in their own way. These passionate women, from all walks of life, present their Sheros who motivate them with their work in the community. Inspiring artists and performers will contribute to this celebration with their art. The event will continue with the screening of short films by talented women.

Presenters

• Lindsay Katsitsakatste Delaronde, Iroquois/Mohawk Artist
• Temi Omotola, Author and Social Entrepreneur
• Sophia Ciavarella, Operations Manager at Peers Victoria
• Janis Dunning, C.M., Co-founder of College of Performing Arts

Performers

• Visible Bodies Collective with Lindsay Katsitsakatste Delaronde
• Müge Büyükçelen, Violinist, Victoria Symphony, Emily Carr String Quartet and the Aventa Ensemble
• Adelene da soul poet
• Laura Deviato, Musician

Film Screenings by

• Marie Metaphor Specht + Ashley Alexander
• Aislinn Belot
• June Yeo
• Sue Ko
• Odette Laramee