Talking about inclusivity can be daunting for people who are not already in the conversation. That’s why IWAU has a yearly discussion series in Prince George to help people explore these issues in a supportive environment. IWAU is an all gender series of events, although it centres around women, it is not limited to women. The welcoming environment of IWAU hopes to spark some change that may be waiting in our community’s wings, as UNBC professor Dr. Zoë Meletis, mentions, “there are a lot of closet feminists in Prince George.” She notes, “Prince George is,” pause for emphasis, “but is also not the Prince George from fifty years ago.”
People tend to think that we’ve achieved an equal society, and question whether feminism is still relevant. Meletis gives an example of how the scales are tilted in academics. Female identifying students typically outweigh males in enrollment, but that doesn't necessarily even out over time:
And so even though there are many more full female professors than there used to be, let's say, even 10 years ago. The numbers don't correspond to the people that start out in each cohort. So that means there are still significant barriers and systems that are excluding people differentially across intersectional lines, and gender is a big one. Especially if you think about how race, class, and gender might intersect in a so-called merit based system. We've got a lot of work left to do.
To start that journey this year, prospective participants can refer to the events schedule directly as no registration is required. Meletis makes a point to extend an invite to those that may feel angered or pushed to the margins, “come and listen and learn and just, remain open. And you might learn something about your own feelings that you didn't realize before.” Essentially, “the door is open.”
The series begins November 22nd and wraps up on Wednesday Nov 29th with a commemorative ceremony for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Normally held December 6th, but hosted earlier with the Northern Women's Center and College of New Caledonia (CNC) at their Gathering Place.
City of Prince George’s IWAU proclomation