Women's Issues in 2002: What's New, What Matters?

STATUS OF WOMEN--Women's Issues in 2002: What's New, What Matters?

Leaders of Nova Scotia's women's movement will be in Halifax this Friday, Sept. 13, in a special forum to recognize achievement and identify future directions.

"The response to our invitation was amazing," said Rita Warner, chair of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "There will be women here from all over the province, some from across the country in fact. And the number of young women attending is particularly encouraging."

More than 60 women will attend the event, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the council. The delegation represents policy, service and academic perspectives and leaders of the past and present, including Lorette Woolsey, Joan Hicks, Francene Cosman, Debra Forsyth-Smith, Linda Christiansen-Ruffman and Linda Carvery.

"It's important right now, I believe, to access the thinking of this group on issues like violence in schools, poverty, women in politics and balancing work and life," said Jane Purves, Minister responsible for the advisory council. "I'm looking forward to the day."

The forum will be using the world café model, which is internationally acclaimed for fostering creative and innovative thinking.

The Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act was proclaimed on Sept. 13, 1977. The council conducts research, provides information and links to communities and advises the provincial government on issues relating to women's equality.

NOTE: The forum begins at 10:45 a.m. It will be held in the Commonwealth Room B, Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, 1181 Hollis St., Halifax.

Agenda:

• 10:45 a.m.-11:50 a.m.: Reflections on progress to date
• 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.: Young women speak out (panel)
• 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Journey Café (facilitated
  conversations)
• 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m.: Identifying issues, recommendations for
  the future