Saturday, March 8th, 2014 is International Women’s Day! On this day we celebrate, acknowledge and show appreciation towards women and their unique achievements within all aspects of life – economic, social, and political.
Check out some of the newest additions to our Women’s Education Resource Collection (WERC).
Journeywoman: Swinging a Hammer in a Man’s World – Kate Braid
In this memoir, Kate Braid tells the story of her experience working as a construction carpenter. She navigates the difficulties of trying to make it in a male-dominated trade often faced with hostile colleagues with a “No Girls Allowed” mentality. Braid writes about the emotional turmoil and frustration associated with her desire to make it in a non-traditional field.
What Do Mothers Need? Motherhood Activists and Scholars Speak out on Maternal Empowerment for the 21st Century – Andrea O’Reilly
Discourses surrounding motherhood and female reproductive rights continue to circulate within our political and social environments. However, significant positive and empowering change has yet to come. In this collection of essays, O’Reilly explores what needs to be done in order to ensure that mothers and women are receiving the necessary equity within workplaces, public and social policy, education, health, and their families.
Toronto Women: A Walk Through History – Pat Staton
By walking through eight distinct Toronto neighbourhoods (such as the Annex, Queen’s Park, and St. Lawrence), with this book in hand, one would be able to realize the significant impacts that dozens of women have had in this city. Stanton’s historical walking tours provide information and historical context about landmarks within our city, about women who have distinct connections to these parts of the city as well as information about how one can enjoy these areas now.
Feminist History in Canada: New Essays on Women, Gender, Work, and Nation – Catherine Carstairs and Nancy Janovicek
Re-thinking feminism within Canada allows us to not only better understand our growth but also illuminate areas for improvement. In this collection, the authors provide a historical mapping of feminism, specifically within Canada. The essays draw on feminist theory along with critical race theory, postcolonial theory, and transnational history to highlight significant topics that feminism has addressed and continues to address such as paid and unpaid work, marriage, and political action.
Mind the Gaps: Canadian Perspectives on Gender and Politics – Roberta Lexier and Tamara A. Small
Although feminist theory and activism have made great strides in terms of women’s rights, a gap still exists within multiple arenas of women’s lives. The gender gap continues to permeate within women’s political, social, and economic lives. The editors of this book focus on the gap that exists within women’s participation in the political sphere with an emphasis of women’s participation in politics, policies affecting the lives of women and the role that gender plays in the media’s representation of politics in Canada.
Silly Sentences