Celebrate International Women's Day in Montreal, Canada with March 8th Committee of Women of Diverse Origins

Saturday, February 28, 2009, 10am-5pm at Université de Montréal

WOMEN DEMAND A NEW WORLD ORDER:
End Imperialism, Exploitation, War, Occupation and Repression

The March 8th Committee of Women of Diverse Origins demands a new world order - nothing more and nothing less. We are feminists of diverse origins. Immersed in the grassroots, in our communities and in the wider society we oppose patriarchy and misogyny in terms of family relations, societal and political institutions, culture and the media. We are committed to dignity and to basic rights - freedom from fear and intimidation, freedom from sexual discrimination, freedom from fundamentalism. Without basic rights, women and their families are unable to achieve human dignity.

In the current local and global context what is needed is a new world order that clearly identifies the roots of the current problems women and our families face around the world. The multiple oppressions generated by patriarchy and capitalism have brought us to where we are today - a world of on-going and multiple wars, severe economic insecurity, exploitation of the marginalized - class, gender and race. It is simple. It is clear. Nothing less than a completely different order, a new world order can bring about a change for a better world.

We are at a point in world history where we will not be fobbed off with 'the greater evil', 'that change comes slowly' that the demand for a better world is 'a utopian dream'. We know what the problems are. We know their causes. Only a total overhaul of the current systems can bring about lasting and meaningful change - justice and equality for all. The rapacious demands of corporations and governments in their pay with their war machines reap havoc, death and destruction on the innocent around the world, while petty despots oppress with impunity, unhindered. The free-flowing movement of capital around the world pushes workers everywhere to the lowest common denominator in terms of job security, wages and exploitative conditions. People flee war, political oppression and economic disaster to become even more exploited wherever they land. Minorities are targeted with violence and brutality and few give a damn. The smoke and mirrors that are erected do not distract us - we know the causes, we have answers.

Join us as we gather to elaborate, propose and discuss around the problems; the urgency for a new world order; what that order will be. Women have always been at the forefront of economic and political change. We are the ones who feed our families. We are the ones who have always been on the streets demanding bread and demanding peace. Once more we are out there. We want nothing more and nothing less than a New World Order.

There are two events. An all day event with speakers, workshops, displays, and a march on International Women's Day. Local and international speakers will tie together the issues - from Afghanistan to Akwesasne, from the field to the factory and the kitchen table, from the local park to the jail cells to the battlefield. We will share ideas and experiences in workshops. There will be film screenings and displays.

You are invited. We look forward to seeing you there.

Saturday, February 28, 2009
10am-5pm; Registration 9am
Childcare on site. Lunch provided.
Suggested donation $5 (no-one turned away)

Pavillon Jean-Brillant
Université de Montréal
3200 Jean-Brillant
Auditorium B-2325
Info: +1 514 342 211

Sunday 8th March 2009
Demonstration 12 noon
Departure place to be announced