Learn more and sign up for our upcoming proposal writing workshops. Ace the application and get up to $25,000 for your projects. Applications are accepted from UBC students, staff and faculty for projects that advance equity and inclusion on campus.
Be Part of Building an Inclusive Campus Community
The Equity Enhancement Fund (EEF) supports community-based initiatives that enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion at UBC.
Preference will be given to initiatives which:
- Build student, faculty, and staff competencies and understanding related to issues of equity, diversity and inclusion through community-engaged activities.
- Promote a respectful environment at UBC through education, dialogue, and community engagement.
- Have observable and/or measureable benefits to the representation or experiences of historically disadvantaged groups within the UBC community.
- Support UBC’s equity & inclusion efforts, UBC’s strategic plan priorities, and Faculty or Unit equity & inclusion goals and decision-making.
Students, staff, and faculty can submit applications for a broad range of funding – up to a maximum of $25,000 – until February 28.
Sex in All Languages
UBC Equity Ambassadors invite students to join them in dialogue on sex and empowerment from a cross-cultural perspective.
Discussion topics will range from rape culture and consent, to healthy relationships, media influences, and sex education. This event aims to bring students from all backgrounds and experiences to initiate meaningful conversations around sex.
Free dinner will be provided.
Presented by the UBC Equity Ambassadors.
Tuesday, January 30 | 5 PM – 7 PM
Place Vanier Residence
1935 Lower Mall
UBC Pride Week Convergence
This week is Pride Week at UBC. Formerly known as Outweek, UBC Pride Week is organized by the UBC Pride Collective and is filled with student events celebrating queer & trans identities.
The UBC Equity & Inclusion Office invites staff and faculty to show support for Pride Week and participate through a casual Pride Convergence meet-up.
Thursday, January 18
4:00-6:00pm
Gallery 2.0, AMS Nest
Cash Bar /Lights snacks provided
We look forward to seeing you!
PS. Check out photos from last week’s Pride flag raising ceremony that kicked off Pride Week.
Human Rights Day: Get to Know UBC’s Director of Human Rights
For international Human Rights Day on December 10th, Roshni Narain explains her role at UBC and how it supports the human rights of our community.
How does your work support human rights at UBC?
My official title is Director, Human Rights. In this role, I offer advice, information, education, and support to students, staff and faculty – both at the UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan campuses – who have concerns or questions around discrimination and/or harassment. Where possible, I assist in arriving at early resolutions to these concerns through informal processes. My work is driven by UBC’s Policy #3: Discrimination and Harassment.
People will often come to see me because they feel ‘stuck’ or ‘blocked’, or because they feel overwhelmed by their experience(s); they may not know how to proceed or who to turn to. Through private dialogue, exploration, and collaboration we work to figure out the processes through which they can build greater capacity to respond so as to make their own life at UBC ultimately more positive and generative.
The kinds of discrimination that I may work with align with the prohibited grounds set out by the BC Human Rights Code, namely: age, ancestry, colour, place of origin and race, criminal conviction, physical or mental disability, family status and marital status, political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.
What inspires your work?
I believe that people are fundamentally committed to working and learning with one another in a productive, generative and creative environment, and that this commitment can help move us to think, move and act ‘otherwise’.
My work is grounded in a critical, social justice framework. I focus on individual and systemic forces and processes that create inequality and inequities, because it is inequities and inequality that contribute to and sustain the climate for human rights violations. Ultimately, I believe in transformational change, and human rights is one tool (among many) to create change.
If someone feels they’ve experienced discrimination or harassment, what is the process by which they can connect with you?
If someone would like to meet me for a confidential consult, they are welcome to call or email me. I also have drop-in hours on Mondays and Thursdays from 11-2 at our office in Brock Hall. I aim to provide a welcoming, safe environment where we collaboratively seek to better understand those issues and how to approach them.
Our services are delivered impartially; community members who have a concern about discrimination or someone who has been named as having harassed or discriminated against a community member can access our services in a confidential manner, and in a respectful environment that ensures privacy is protected and respected.
Why do you think the ongoing recognition of Human Rights Day is important?
2018 will mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and almost 70 years on, we continue to witness the ways in which human rights are still highly contested, and see the resulting corrosive effects of those processes.
Human Rights Day is important because it reminds us that each of us have the right to be recognized for our humanity without a breach to our sense of dignity.
It reminds us that we are not alone in supporting human rights — that we are part of a local, national, and global community of people who are committed to advancing human rights, creating equitable and inclusive communities, and recognizing and enhancing each other’s sense of self-worth.
World AIDS Day
On December 1, we join communities worldwide in commemorating World AIDS Day to remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness, unite in support of those living with HIV, and raise awareness about the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
In Canada, December 1st also marks the start of Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week.
This year, UN AIDS is casting a light on the importance of the right to health with a #myrighttohealth campaign.
The right to health means that everyone is entitled to benefit from the best standard of physical and mental health; this right is enshrined in the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet globally, one in four people living with HIV have experienced discrimination in health care.
In fact, those most frequently denied basic healthcare are also those who are most marginalized in society. Perhaps not surprisingly, these are also groups who are most impacted by HIV. Marginalized populations include youth, sex workers, migrant women, and indigenous and racialized communities. In Canada specifically, HIV incidence is much higher among Aboriginal people, newcomers from countries where HIV is endemic, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men.
UBC researchers continue to lead the way in addressing this critical societal challenge by exploring treatment and prevention initiatives, including safe injection sites and simple screening tests, and by exploring differences in access to healthcare resources amongst various populations.
This World AIDS Day, take time to reflect on the intrinsic relationship between equitable and inclusive communities and the universal right to health.
Background
The virus that causes AIDS was first identified in 1984. The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988. Since the virus was identified, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS globally, and, by the end of 2014, some 65,000 people were living with HIV in Canada. On average, seven Canadians are infected with HIV every day, with one in four of those infected being female.
UBC Remembers December 6th
On December 6, 1989, an armed man entered an Engineering class at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. After he forced the men to leave, he said he ‘hated feminists’ and began shooting the women students in the class. He continued through the rest of the school, firing at women on the campus. At the end of his rampage, he had murdered 14 women before committing suicide.
In response to such acts of violence, Canada established December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women. It is a reminder of this national tragedy, and provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the nature of gender-based violence in Canada.
At UBC, we recognize that violence against women is an ongoing reality, influenced not only by sexism and heterosexism, but also by poverty, racial discrimination, colonialism, and other factors. We remember this tragic event and honor the women who died. We also need to ask why the violence against women continues.
Campus Events
14 Not Forgotten: Memorial and Vigil | 12:00 @ the Engineering Student Centre
Let us know you’re interested.
Around Campus
Transgender Day of Remembrance
On November 20th, we honour those who have been lost to violence as a result of transphobia, as well as recognize the ongoing violence and oppression that trans people continue to face.
The first Transgender Day of Remembrance occurred in 1999 after the murder of Rita Hester, a black trans woman, in November of the previous year.
We acknowledge that this does not sufficiently encompass the intersections of violence and identity in people’s lives, particularly the disproportionate amount of violence that impacts trans women, trans feminine folk, and trans people of colour, as well as the greater complexities of violence as a whole.
This is a significant and important day to remember those who we have lost, to support those who are here, and to reflect on the work that still needs to be done.
How can I participate?
On Campus
UBC Trans Day of Remembrance 2017
The Pride Collective is facilitating discussions and holding peer support hours throughout the afternoon.
Location: The NEST
Date: Friday, November 17th, 2017.
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
In the Community
2017 Vancouver Trans Day of Remembrance
Location: Carnegie Community Center
Date: Monday, November 20th, 2017.
Time: 7:30 to 9:30
What can I do to build positive space for the transgender community?
- Start by exploring our Positive Space resources and workshops.
- Seek out resources on how to be a Trans and gender diversity ally
I am a transgender individual. What resources are available to me?
- Visit students.ubc.ca to find some of the resources available for transgender individuals on campus. These include:
- Find a guide to gender inclusive washrooms here.
Find out more about Transgender Day of Remembrance at www.transgenderdor.org.
Fighting the Good Fight
When it comes to conflict, most people try to avoid it. But Aftab Erfan, UBC’s first Director of Dialogue and Conflict Engagement in the Equity & Inclusion Office, views it as an opportunity for growth and change.
Beyond #MeToo and #IWill: Changing Workplace Culture
#MeToo. #IWill. Awareness is important, but how do we move beyond hashtags and words to making substantive changes to the workplace experience for women?
It seems every day new accusations of harassment come to the fore – from Hollywood to Wall Street to Commercial Drive. In response, thousands of women have posted “#MeToo” on social media, indicating that they too have been sexually assaulted or harassed. Men have since responded with “#IWill”, signaling their individual commitment to take action in order to prevent such events happening in their midst.
The “#MeToo” campaign demonstrates just how pervasive the everyday sexual harassment of women is. But what next? How can we change what seems to be an accepted way of treating women? How can we improve the workplace and what concrete role can each and every one us play in helping to do so? How do we go beyond awareness to actual – and more permanent – change?
Join us for a panel discussion as we examine this timely and pervasive issue and explore options for moving forward. This event is open to all members of the public and seeks to foster thoughtful dialogue on this important issue. We hope that participants walk away with broadened perspectives and inspired with ideas to help make change happen in their communities.
Date and time: Tuesday, November 28 @ 6:30 PM | Reception: 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Jack Poole Hall, Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre
Tickets:
A few seats are left for tonight’s event.
Register onsite tonight with credit card.
No cash or cheque accepted.
Can’t make the event in person? Tune into our livestream.
Moderator
Sara-Jane Finlay, PhD, Associate Vice-President, Equity & Inclusion Office, The University of British Columbia
Dr. Finlay supports institution-wide efforts to create a supportive environment for working, learning and living where respect, civility, diversity, opportunity and inclusion are valued. These values are central to social sustainability for all members of the university community. Dr. Finlay received her B.A. (English Language and Literature) in 1987 from Huron College, Western University, followed by a B.A.A. (Radio and Television Arts) from Ryerson University in 1990; and her M.A. (Women’s Studies) and Ph.D. (Communication and Media Studies) in 1997 and 2001 from Loughborough University.
Dr. Finlay commenced her professional research and teaching career in the UK at Loughborough University, lecturing in Media and Sociology, and then at the Southampton Institute, in Media with Cultural Studies, focusing on gender, race, class, culture and identity. Moving into administration, Dr. Finlay became head of Media Studies at the College of St. Mark & St. John, Plymouth, UK. In 2004, Dr. Finlay became a lecturer in the Institute for Culture and Communication at the University of Toronto and served as the director, faculty and academic life at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada from 2004 to 2015.
Panelists / Speakers
Chantelle Krish, Director of Communications and Advocacy, YWCA Vancouver
Chantelle Krish is a strategic communications and public relations expert with a diverse range of private and non-profit experience. Her current work as director of communications and advocacy for the YWCA Metro Vancouver focuses on raising awareness and collaborating across sectors to address systemic gaps and barriers to achieving gender equality. These issues include universal child care, addressing the sexualization of women and girls, ending violence against women, and encouraging civic participation among youth.
As a member of the YWCA Executive Team, Krish is responsible for managing the organization’s internal and external communications, press relations and shaping strategy for much of the YWCA’s advocacy in Metro Vancouver. Chantelle’s unique ability to influence public opinion and excite people about social change shapes the YWCA’s approach to advocacy. Her inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement has resulted in real policy change at the local, provincial and federal levels. Krish holds a Master’s Degree in Community Development from the University of Victoria School Of Public Administration.
Fiona Macfarlane, Managing Partner, British Columbia, & Chief Inclusiveness Officer, Ernst & Young / Member, Board of Governors, The University of British Columbia
Fiona Macfarlane is EY’s Managing Partner of the British Columbia practice and the firm’s Chief Inclusiveness Officer. She is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the Business Council of British Columbia and serves on the organization’s Executive Committee. Additionally, Fiona sits on the Executive Board of the Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia, and is a Governor of the Board of UBC and Shawnigan Lake School. She is a member of the Ministry of Social Development and Innovations President’s Group.
Fiona has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, Top 100. She was awarded the International Women’s Forum 2013 Global Women Who Make a Difference award. She has been recognised as one of the Top 35 Most Influential Women: Power to Disrupt by Business in Vancouver and Top 25 Canadian Women of Influence, Professional Services. She also received the inaugural Luminary Award from Big Sisters in 2015 and received Canada’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award in 2016.
Dr. Jennifer Berdahl, Professor in Leadership Studies: Gender and Diversity, Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Division, Sauder School of Business, The University of British Columbia
Jennifer L. Berdahl is the Professor of Leadership Studies: Women and Diversity at the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business. Prior to UBC, Berdahl was a professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business and the University of California Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Professor Berdahl has studied gender in organizations for more than 20 years with over 40 publications to date. Her research has examined power and status in work groups, workplace harassment and discrimination, and the work/family interface.
Professor Berdahl is an award-winning MBA teacher. Her research and expert opinions are regularly featured in the media, including The Globe and Mail, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and The Atlantic Monthly, and national TV and radio programs. Professor Berdahl has served as an expert witness on gender discrimination cases in the U.S. and Canada and has provided testimony for the Canadian Senate and House of Commons.
Ryan Avola, iGuy Program Manager, Saleema Noon Sexual Health Educators
Ryan currently works as the Program Manager of ‘iGuy’, an educational program for boys ages 8-12 delivered in elementary schools across the lower mainland via Saleema Noon Sexual Health Educators. Ryan also works as a youth worker at Kiwassa Neighbourhood House and continues to organize in his communities as an advocate for healthier masculinities. Ryan graduated with a bachelors degree in Social Justice and Peace Studies and a masters of arts in Globalization and the Human Condition.
He began his career after university by volunteering with White Ribbon Campaign in Toronto and advocating for education for boys and men around gender-based violence and masculinity. He’s been a soccer coach and a camp counselor, has developed homeschool programs on social justice and creative learning, supervised a before and after school program with the YMCA, facilitated a leadership program for teenagers, and developed and facilitated his own workshops on gender and violence in schools. He remains passionate about bringing meaningful education to youth to help empower them to make future decisions that benefit their self-awareness and relationships to their communities.
Partners
- UBC Equity & Inclusion Office
- Alumni UBC
- UBC Library’s Irving K. Barber Learning Centre