Journalist Sally Armstrong to speak at International Women’s Day Event
Women’s struggles and achievements in Canada and abroad are the focus of this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations at Malaspina University-College. Events include two ground-breaking films, a gala dinner and silent auction, and an address by internationally-acclaimed Canadian investigative journalist Sally Armstrong.

Films include Daughters of Afghanistan, in which Armstrong exposes the struggle of women in modern Afghanistan, and Finding Dawn, in which acclaimed Métis filmmaker Christine Welsh explores the “Dark heart of Native Women's experience in Canada.”

“We are honoured to be screening these outstanding films, and very fortunate to welcome Sally Armstrong to Nanaimo,” said Jeannie Martin, chair of the International Women’s Day planning committee and past president of the Nanaimo Women’s Resources Society. “These women have done a tremendous amount to expose injustice to women and to reveal the strength that women possess.”

Both films will show at 3:30pm on March 8. Daughters of Afghanistan screens in Building 356, Room 109, with Terre Flower leading a discussion after the film. Finding Dawn shows in Building 355, Room 203, with Laura Cranmer facilitating the follow-up discussion. Admission for both films is by donation.

From 3:30 to 6:30pm, a silent auction and community information tables will be set up in the Cafeteria, Bldg. 300. A gala dinner provided by Malaspina catering service will follow. The evening will conclude with Armstrong’s address Women and Girls Last.

Tickets to the gala dinner and address are $40, available from the Malaspina University-College Students’ Union Office, the Malaspina Welcome Centre, and the Nanaimo Women's Centre at 285 Selby Street.

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. Throughout the world, thousands of events are held to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. Nanaimo’s 2007 International Women’s Day event is co-sponsored by Malaspina University-College President's Office; Malaspina Faculty Association; Malaspina’s Students’ Union, Department of Media Studies, and Human Rights Office; Canadian Federation of University Women, Nanaimo; and the Zonta Club of Nanaimo.

Malaspina University-College is located at 900 Fifth Street. For more information, contact the Nanaimo Women's Centre at 753-0633.