Women often face multiple barriers when accessing settlement and language programming. It can be difficult to find appropriate transportation, childcare, and family supports so that mothers can attend programs. Additionally, although the language classroom can be an ideal context to discuss women’s issues, these issues are seldom addressed. The instructor is a respected and trusted leader of the classroom; addressing women’s issues can validate and empower all individuals in the class to make a meaningful change. Topics such as women’s rights, sexual health, and domestic abuse can be initiated in a supportive manner that increases awareness and prevention.

Immigrant women play a unique and distinct role within the settlement and integration context and this e-symposium will bring awareness to the barriers women face when trying to access settlement and language programming, and highlight the need to incorporate women’s issues into language instruction and curriculum.

This e-symposium is being held on March 8th to coincide with International Women’s Day and will address four key areas:

• Settlement Supports
• Language Needs
• Women’s Health
• Violence against Women

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (PST)
Location: Online
Cost: $10 for AMSSA Members per connection; $20 for non-members. If your organization is funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada – please connect with sziegler@amssa.org as discounts may apply

To register, click here.

Note: The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 3:00 pm PST

Presenters:

Ajlin Mehmedi, Women’s Facilitator – Immigrant Women’s Peer Support Program, ISSofBC

Amea Wilbur, Manager of Programs, Pacific Immigration Resources Society

Anna Foschi, Volunteer’s Coordinator, Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services

Caitlin Johnston, Program Manager; Gyne & Sexual Health, Sexual Assault Service, and Primary Care BC Women’s Hospital and Health Care