Public Policy at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy | University of Toronto

Canada’s public institutions face alarming rates of sexual harassment and violence, exacerbated by inadequate policies and harmful normative attitudes towards gender and sexuality. The existence of this Rape Culture within Canada’s public institutions, such as post secondary institutions and even the House of Commons, is reinforced through recent media stories showing the existence, continuation and perpetuation of sexual violence, highlighting an increasing need for effective public policy as a tool for improving equality and safety.

How can public policy be used in addressing this unsafe culture of assault and in mitigating the impact of these dangerous norms on survivors and potential victims? Is public policy a reactive tool or a lever of systemic change?

Join us on February 9, in Canadiana Gallery room 160, for a moderated panel discussion on the role of public policy, regulation and legislation in shaping and changing rape culture.

Panelists:
Ann Decter, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, YWCA CANADA.
Fierce advocate and writer of four books, Ann has dedicated her life to the feminist cause leading national campaigns for policy change such as the #NOTokay initiative against sexualized violence.

Wendy Komiotis, Executive Director, METRAC
Wendy’s background is in counselling for women and children experiencing violence. Wendy has had a long career in community development work as the Director of Programs and Advocacy at Sistering, a drop-in for homeless women, and Clinical Director of Parkdale Community Health Centre.

Judith Taylor, Associate Professor of Sociology, cross appointed to the Women and Gender Studies Institute at the University of Toronto.
A scholar of social movements, her research focuses on women’s movements, neighbourhood community organizing, activism within public institutions, and identity politics.

Moderated by Lisa Rae, Senior Policy Analyst, Council of Ontario Universities and SPPG Alum 2010