Centennial International Women's Month
Centennial International Women’s Month at Marianopolis – March 2008
Given the College’s roots in women’s education and vital role in society, it is fitting that Marianopolis is opening its doors to the public with a plethora of free events marking International Women’s Month. From films to classical Indian dance to lectures, all events celebrate women across the world and across the centuries. Everybody is welcome.
Highlights
Book display
Library
Centennial Women’s Month book display – A sampling from the College’s collection.
Exhibit
Marianopolis Centennial: the life and work of Marguerite Bourgeoys – An exhibit about the founder of the Congregation de Notre Dame, as well as the 100 years of the College.
Past events
Keynote address
Building a new society: Marguerite Bourgeoys and the role of women in Montreal's first years – There is perhaps no other city in the world in whose foundation the prominent role played by women has been so fully recorded as Montreal. Foremost among those visionary women was Marguerite Bourgeoys who opened Montreal’s first school 350 years ago this April. One of our former long-time educators, Sister Patricia Simpson, CND, examined some of the “modern” ideas and ideals of centuries ago, leading us to today. March 18
Debate
Is feminism still relevant? – Young women outnumber young men in university, all-male bastions have been stormed and there is a sense that gender equality has been achieved and therefore feminism is passé. Is it? Marianopolis students, staff and faculty debated this important question at a college which began 100 years ago as an institution for the education of women, when educational opportunities for women were circumscribed. March 13.
Film/lecture
Samjana: Memoirs and Resistance – Human rights activist and Montreal-based Canadian/Iranian film-maker Shahrzad Arshadi screened and discussed her documentary about the transformative role of women, and the transformation of women’s lives, in Nepal. March 11.
Spoken Word Cabaret
Marianopolis students, staff and faculty performed spoken word and dance, including a specially choreographed Centennial piece by Reesha Raja using classical Indian dance tradition Bharata Natyam. March 27.
Film festival
Mirrors of Marguerite: the Power of Women – Following in the pioneering and courageous tradition of Congregation de Notre Dame founder Marguerite Bourgeoys, Marianopolis presented a festival of films, including the award-winning documentary Enemies of Happiness about the courageous young parliamentarian Afghani Malalai Joya. March 28.
