COVID-19 has had profound effects on vulnerable populations across Perth-Huron and beyond. Among those who have been impacted the most are women. That’s the topic of United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH)’s first ever virtual Women United event — and inaugural TED-style DEB talk — by Dr. Laura Morlock entitled, She-Cession and How Women Lost 30 Years in Six Months, on Friday, November 6 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“Twenty one amazing volunteers are working with us from across all regions in Perth and Huron Counties to bring this important virtual event to our community,” said Campaign Co-chair Kathryn Ritsma. “We’re inviting anyone who’s interested in this important issue to join us. We hope Dr. Morlock’s talk will start a conversation and inspire local women to make a difference in the communities they live in.”
Dr. Morlock’s talk will build on Women United’s goals of shining a light on women’s challenges and supporting local women. Dr. Morlock will examine the effects COVID-19 has had on women in the workforce, along with the long-standing social norms that put women in a vulnerable position in the first place. Dr. Morlock will also offer ideas on rebuilding toward a new, gender-equal model and answer any questions. Three-time Juno nominated Canadian recording artist Emm Gryner will also perform.
Join women from Goderich, Exeter, Wingham, St. Marys, Perth East, North Perth, Stratford and the rest of Perth and Huron for UWPH’s first ever virtual Women United fundraising event. The $35 ticket includes a link to the online event and a #LocalLove swag bag including a Junction 56 cocktail, something sweet, something savory and something to set the mood; all safely delivered to your door. Women from outside the area can arrange to pick up their swag bag in one of the above regions or purchase an event-only ticket for $25. Proceeds raised over the weekend of the event help support counselling for women and youth in Perth and Huron — including early intervention counselling, women’s and youth shelters and counselling for children who witnessed domestic violence. For more information and to purchase tickets visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca or call 877-818-8867 or 519-271-7730.
UWPH would like to thank event sponsors Jennifer Anderson, Real Estate Broker, Royal LePage/Hiller Realty; Kathy Dawson, Real Estate Broker, Royal LePage/Homefield Group; Stacey Clarkson, Real Estate Broker, Kempston & Werth; Operation Organize; Royal Homes; and Junction 56 Distillery.
About Laura Morlock, PhD
Laura Morlock is a scholar and advocate for gender equity, human rights, and religious diversity. She speaks and writes on public debates over gender and cultural identity, and the ways these shape North American human rights laws and policies. Her forthcoming book Seaming Canadian: Religious Dress, Multiculturalism, and Identity Performance looks at public battles over women’s bodies through Muslim, Sikh, and Mennonite head covering controversies. Far from being the threat to gender equity many imagine these communities to be, she shows how they in fact consistently advance human rights for all Canadians. Dr. Morlock holds a PhD in Religious Diversity in North America from the University of Waterloo and is a lecturer at Ryerson University’s School of Fashion and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Anthropology Department.
About Emm Gryner
Emm Gryner is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, vocal coach and occasional CBC radio host. She has been nominated three times for a Juno Award, twice for Pop Album of The Year. Emm toured the world with David Bowie, and appears on the recordings Bowie at The Beeb and Glastonbury 2000. In 2013, Emm collaborated with astronaut Chris Hadfield on his version of “Space Oddity” recorded partially aboard the International Space Station. The Hadfield-Gryner version has received over 200 million views worldwide and is celebrated as the first music video recorded in outer space.
