16 days of activism

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Back for another year, U of R organizers hope to engage students in the 16 days campaign

Halena Seiferling
Contributor 

16 Days of Activism in an international campaign that runs from Nov. 25, which is the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, to Dec. 10, which is International Human Rights Day. For the third year in a row, University of Regina student groups will be engaging students and community members on various issues and conflicts happening on a global, national, and local level.

Symbolically linking violence against women with human rights violations, 16 Days of Activism is an initiative that hopes to ignite the minds and hearts of participants, while raising awareness and educating participants about different topics.

This year, 16 Days of Activism will be a collaboration between the university's Regina Public Interest Research Group, UR Pride, the U of R Women’s Centre, World University Service of Canada (WUSC), and the University of Regina Students’ Union (URSU).

Students at the U of R are encouraged to attend as many events as they are able to, and start dialogues and conversations about the issues raised and what they learned. In an effort to get a better preview of what students can expect during the 16 days, each group shared a sneak peak of their events with the Carillon. 

Monday, Nov. 26

Movie Screening: A Jihad for Love
6 p.m., Riddell Center Room 225
UR Pride will be screening a special documentary titled “A Jihad for Love” – a film that explores the complex and global intersections between Islam and homosexuality.

U of R Women’s Center Bake Sale
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Riddell Centre
The U of R Women’s Centre will be hosting a bake sale to kick off their Rape Whistle Campaign – an initative raising awareness about the rise of sexual abuse against women. According to Canadian Women’s Foundation, girls growing up in Canada have a “one in two chance of being physically or sexually abused.”

WUSC Mock Refugee Camp Kick-off
All week, RIC Atrium
Hosted for the second time by WUSC Regina, the mock refugee camp includes an interactive display of what life is like in a refugee camp, giving students a look into the various issues faced by refugees in these situations. 

Saskatchewan Immigration Justice Network (SIJN): Christmas Card Campaign
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Riddell Centre
A fairly newly formed community group, SIJN will be launching its “Send a Christmas Card” campaign, inviting students to send some Christmas love to MPs Jason Kenney and Vic Toews, letting them know the importance of refugee and immigrant rights over the holiday season.

Tuesday, Nov. 27

Why Do You Need Feminism?
All day, Riddell Centre
URSU will be asking students to write their responses to the question “why do you need feminism?” Photos will be taken of the students with their responses, and shared as part of an international and worldwide “Why I Need Feminism” viral movement.

Women’s Centre Fundraiser Dinner
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Crave Kitchen and Wine Bar (1925 Victoria Ave.)
Tickets: $38
As part of it’s annual fundraising dinner, the U of R’s Women’s Centre invites students to particiate in its dinner, where half of the ticket proceeds will be donated to ‘Women for Women International,’ in an effort to sponsor a woman who has been effected by war and conflict, and provide her with an opportunity to rebuild her life.

WUSC Movie Night
6 p.m., RIC Atrium
Join WUSC as they screen a film in their mock refugee camp. The film will focus on issues around refugee rights and the stories and hardships that many refugess must go through.

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Non-violent Communication Training
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
CW 113, University of Regina
In an engaging, positive, and interactive format, this free workshop will introduce participants to two interrelated concepts: non-violence and accountable communication. Registration for the workshop is required by November 26, by emailing outreach@rpirg.org.

WUSC Movie Night
6 p.m., RIC Atrium
Join WUSC as they screen a film in their mock refugee camp. The film will focus on issues around refugee rights and the stories and hardships that many refugess must go through.

Thursday, Nov. 29

Sexual Assault on Campus: Panel Discussion
1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Global Learning Centre, CW 115
This panel discussion, featuring several campus and community organization, will address gender based violence on campus and preventative measures to keep you safe.

WUSC Movie Night
6 p.m., RIC Atrium
Join WUSC as they screen a film in their mock refugee camp. The film will focus on issues around refugee rights and the stories and hardships that many refugess must go through.

Friday, Nov. 30

Sexual Assault and Safety Awareness Workshop
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., CKHS 113 Dance Studio
This free workshop will feature two Regina Police officers who will discuss how to keep yourself safe, and the different techniques to defend yourself if you are attacked. Registration is required for the workshop by emailing wc@ursu.uregina.ca

AIDS Benefit
8 p.m., GLCR (2070 Broad St)
Tickets: $10
Join a night of live performances, drag numbers, and a special guest performance by Jeff Straker. All proceeds go to the organization AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan.

Saturday Dec. 1

Candlelight Vigil
4 p.m., Victoria Park
Hosted by the Regina & Area World AIDS Day Committee, participants are invited to join friends and community members for a candle light vigil, coffee and hot chocolate with in support of World AIDS Day.

Monday, Dec. 3

Red Ribbons
All day, Riddell Centre
The Women’s Centre will be handing out red ribbons and information in Riddell Center, in observance of World AIDS Day.

“What Does A Disability Look Like?
All day, Riddell Centre
Similar to the “Why Do You Need Feminism” campaign, URSU will be asking students to write down a response to the question “what does a disability look like?” The aim is to challenge stigmas around physical and mental disabilities.

Saskatchewan Immigration Justice Network (SIJN): Christmas Card Campaign
10 p.m. to 2 p.m., Riddell Centre
A fairly newly formed community group, SIJN will be launching its “Send a Christmas Card” campaign, inviting students to send some Christmas love to MPs Jason Kenney and Vic Toews, letting them know the importance of refugee and immigrant rights over the holiday season.

Movie Screening: “We Were Here”
6 p.m., Riddell Centre Room 225
UR Pride will be screening a special documentary titled “We Were Here” – the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and affect of AIDS in San Francisco.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

Montreal Massacre Vigil
12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Riddell Centre Crush Space
A vigil to mark the anniversary and remember those massacred in the Montreal École Polytechnique massacre of Dec. 6, 1989, where a shooter went into the university claiming to “fight feminism” and killed 14 women.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

SFL Human Rights Conference
Temple Gardens Resort, 24 Fairford St. E, Moose Jaw
This year's conference is titled "On the Edge: Justice and Equality for Everyone." Participants will learn about the obstacles equity seeking groups face every day in their workplaces and in society.

Thursday, Dec. 6

Christmas Card Campaign: Santa’s Mail-Out
12 p.m., Regina Main Post Office, 2200 Sask. Drive
Join ‘Santa’ and concerned citizens in mailing Christmas cards to MPs Jason Kenney and Vic Toews about Canada’s treatment of refugees and immigrants.

Saturday, Dec. 8

Bangers 'n' Bash: A Socially Aware Dance Party!
Love to dance? Love to talk social issues? Then this may be the party for you! UR Pride’s dance party observes an anti-oppressive framework intended to include anyone who likes to dance and be merry in a positive social space that strives to be respectful of everyone, regardless of race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and class.

Sunday, Dec. 9

Amnesty: Write for Rights
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, The Artful Dodger (1631 11th Ave)
To recognize International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, Amnesty International holds a world-wide event every year to encourage people to write letters for human rights issues. Letter-writers in more than 80 countries around the world will come together to call for the protection and promotion of human rights in all places.

Monday, Dec. 10

Word up Monday
7 p.m., The Creative City Centre (1843 Hamilton St)
Admission: $5
Join Amnesty International Regina for a special edition of the famous Word Up Wednesday tradition. This popular poetry slam event, hosted by the talented and engaging Shayna Stock, will focus on human rights and social justice to celebrate International Human Rights Day.

Photo courtesy 16days.thepixelproject.net

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