Nobel Women's Initiative

For Immediate Release

"I MIGHT BE A FEMINIST, BUT..."
Celebrating 100 Years of International Women's Day
       
OTTAWA, March 8, 2011 - Organizations in Ottawa have joined forces to celebrate the 100th International Women's Day with the event "I might be a feminist, but..."  The third annual event is based on the successful "I'm not a feminist, but..." launched by the group in 2009.

"The event is a way to highlight issues of gender equality in a way that is engaging, funny and feminist," said Erin Williams, Executive Director of the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women and one of the organizers of the event. "This year is no exception; we have a great line up including a hilarious parody."

---

The event includes a parody competition for Canada's Next Top Feminist, where special guest competitors square off, highlighting their questionable record on women's rights and gender equality.  The competitors will be judged by an equality seeking panel and the audience.

The event will also feature a short film, looking at the second vs. third wave feminist debate and the presentation of the Third Annual Femmy Awards, recognizing the contributions of women activists in the National Capital Region.

"Too often the work of fighting for women's rights and gender equality goes unnoticed and underappreciated, we want to formally recognize the work of these women and celebrate their successes," said organizer Kate McInturff, who is the Executive Director of the Feminist Aliance for International Action (FAFIA).
This year's awards will honour Jennifer Hayward, Julie Lalonde, Nina Bigras, Jamie Kass, Kimalee Phillip and Susan Russell.

The free public event begins at 7pm at Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington.

-30-
For more information please contact:
Erin Williams
Executive Director
Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW)
ed@octevaw-cocvff.ca
(613) 725-3601, ext. 105
Mobile: 613-762-0961