WINDSOR, Ont. — A conference establishing itself as a beacon of dialogue, education and actionable strategies in the fight against gender-based violence is scheduled to take place at the University of Windsor next month.
The inaugural #IAmSahraBulle Conference, a collaborative effort between the Sahra Bulle Foundation and the University of Windsor’s Office of the Vice-President of People, Equity and Inclusion will kick off in the CAW Student Centre's Alumni Auditorium and virtually on Dec. 1.
“The #IAmSahraBulle Conference is a critical platform, aligning with our unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity,” said Clinton Beckford, vice president of People, Equity and Inclusion.
“This collaboration amplifies our dedication to confronting and dismantling the multifaceted layers of gender-based violence. It stands as a testament to our collective responsibility in creating a safer, more just society for everyone."
Aligned with Canada's 2023 theme for the 16 Days of Activism, "Listen, Learn, and Act," Dr. Beckford invites advocates, survivors and change-makers to attend and participate in a transformative journey towards eradicating systemic barriers and promoting gender equality and respect.
The conference will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers, including keynote speaker Alima Dimonekene, a British and Sierra Leonean award-winning Human Rights Activist, and will explore topics such as centring the victim's voice in assessments of cross-border intimate partner violence and advocating for the removal of barriers faced by newcomer women seeking support.
Bulle’s mother, Fartumo Kusow, said the death of her daughter made her realize there is “no superpower coming to fix this.”
“We are our own superpower,” Kusow said.
“And the #IamSahraBulle Conference is, in my opinion, the first step of our journey where the safety of all from gender-based violence is not a goal, but our final destination."
Registration for the conference is encouraged but not mandatory, and attendees can expect insightful sessions, thoughtful discussions, as well as breakfast and lunch to foster networking and reflection. For inquiries or to register, please contact vppei@uwindsor.ca or visit the conference website.
The University of Windsor’s Office of Sexual Violence Prevention, Resistance and Support, students’ alliance’s Womxn’s Centre and Unifor 2458 Women’s Advocate have collaborated to offer three other events on campus as well.
The 16 Days of Information Fair will take place in the CAW Student Centre Commons on Nov. 29 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will feature booths from campus and community groups that offer education, support or advocacy around gender-based violence.
Visit Room 115 in Dillon Hall from 12 to 1 p.m. on Dec. 1 for Crafts and Chats, an event offering participants a chance to make sock puppets, pick up resources and more.
The December 6th Memorial for the École Polytechnique Massacre will start at 11 a.m. in the CAW Student Centre’s Ambassador Auditorium. A short march to the memorial on campus will provide a moment to honour and reflect on the events of violence against women in Montreal in 1989.
For more information about these events, email svsupport@uwindsor.ca.