Top national female executives, academics, corporate professionals and community leaders are being brought together to examine the challenges South Asian women face in their pursuit of earning a livelihood in Canada, when York hosts a one-day conference and evening cultural gala Aug. 7 and 8.
The conference, Census 2009: A New Reality: Empowerment and Leadership of South Asian Women, is being organized by the Toronto South Asian Women’s Centre in collaboration with the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies’ Division of Continuing Education (DCE) and York’s Office of University Events & Community Relations. Organizers are currently looking for members of the York community to participate.
“The conference will create a positive, friendly space for South Asian women, academics and community leaders to engage with each other, share experiences and discuss a range of issues,” said Victoria Caparello, acting director of DCE. “Our hope is that we will empower and give a voice to South Asian women, particularly those who are new to Canada, and help create a network that will give them the opportunity to get involved and feel connected as professionals and as community members.”
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During the day, conference attendees can participate in workshops that cover a range of topics such as raising awareness of and coping with racism, civic engagement, leadership, profiling South Asian women in the media, life skills, promoting health and wellness, knowledge mobility employment strategies, violence and abuse in the community, understanding the economic disempowerment of senior South Asian women, and increasing economic independence and sustainability.
The evening gala, featuring traditional South Asian food and entertainment, will take place on Aug. 7 at York’s Keele campus with the Census 2009 conference the following day.
Ticket prices for the York community are as follows:
- Early Bird Conference and Gala Ticket – $350 (May 18 to July 15)
- Regular Price Conference and Gala Ticket – $450
- Student Ticket – $100
- Gala Ticket alone – $100
For more information and to register, visit the Census 2009? A New Reality: Empowerment and Leadership of South Asian Women Web site.