Montréal


Speaker Programme: Be a catalyst for change


Reilly Anne Dempsey, SI Programme Director, reports Maude Barlow: get involved and stay involved in whatever way you can!


Though the keynote and plenary speakers came from a wide variety of backgrounds, championed many different issues and worked through diverse channels, one single message resounded in the auditorium day after day – in order to be a catalyst for change, to be a leader in civil society and to transform the lives of women and girls, we must be willing to stand up, speak out and fight for what we believe. And fight we do (and, hopefully, bathe


as well)! All of the speakers spoke about the importance of Soroptimist work through action, advocacy, and awareness- raising. But we can always learn and do more.


convention keynote


The


inspired us to welcome different perspectives and all kinds of individuals into civil society. “There has to be a place for everyone. Everyone has a right to live and create as we do.”


It is only through compromise, consensus, negotiation, and discussion that we can lead civil society to positive change.


Dr.


the increasing level of complacency in the world is the greatest threat to social justice. Dr. Nutt shared a story from her experience in post conflict Somalia. She and a local midwife travelled the country to speak to women about the dangers of


TIS September 2011 Page 8


doctor with more than fifteen years of experience working in war zones, moved the crowd to action when she said that


Samantha Nutt, a medical


address from the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada, eloquently


female genital mutilation. With them, they brought an educational tool – a book depicting normal genitalia. Dr. Nutt and Miriam arrived at a remote village to speak to the women, but before doing so they were obliged to spend six hours convincing the village elders that it was important to educate the women. The men were astounded that two women had travelled without male escort – but eventually did allow them to meet with the women.


Planet Project. She too called upon each and every Soroptimist in the audience to get involved and stay involved in whatever ways we can.


Finally, if we still hadn’t got the message, there was no escape from the call to


The men stayed outside the hut, but were talking loudly, peeking into the room, and distracting and intimidating the women… until, finally, an elder woman stood up and shouted something to the men, who suddenly scattered. Apparently she told them “we are going to talk about VAGINAS” and if they wanted to stay, they could. The men ran away. Sometimes we have to say the things that no one else will say to get to where we want to be. Even if it does mean saying VAGINA as loudly as possible.


“Fighting for social justice is like taking a bath. Do it


every day or you stink.” Maude Barlow quoting a colleague


Maude Barlow fights for water as a human right; among other distinctions, she is notably the co-founder of the Blue


action from the Honourable Senator


Mobina Jaffer, Senator for British Columbia.


Senator Jaffer truly is an agent of change and a leader in civil society – she travels the world advocating for the needs of the most vulnerable women and girls, using her position of power and influence to affect change.


To her, all of the issues on which we work – maternal mortality, domestic violence, FGM, ‘honour’ killings, financial abuse, forced marriage, pay equity – it’s all violence against women, plain and simple.


to continue to fight and to take action, be advocates, and raise awareness. This was a really wonderful, fascinating and inspiring programme which was enjoyed by all the delegates.


Senator Jaffer challenged Soroptimists


Panelists Lee Graff (president and co-founder of a woman-friendly cosmetic company),Dr. Kirsty Duncan (MP and public health expert) and Anna Marie Tremonti (internationally acclaimed journalist), together presented their unique perspectives and experiences, leaving the audience with these nuggets of wisdom as we fight for women and girls: Those who have nothing to give often give the most. Keep asking questions until you get the answer you want. Work to leave the world a better place.


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