Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Sabrina Beattie and I am a fourth year practicum student from the Social Work degree program at Thompson Rivers University. As my studies have progressed, my interest has grown around women’s issues, research, and anti-oppressive practice. I am excited to be part of this space so if you ever see me around, come say hi, I love a good conversation!
What is your personal definition of feminism?
Feminism is equity for all. It is not enough that every woman gets the same amount of resources but resources need to be divided in respect to one’s socioeconomic standing. Unfortunately, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc., all interplay and create experiences of oppression which are unique to every woman.
What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?
I first heard about the Women’s Centre through my friend who had knowledge about social agencies which respond to women’s issues. I love how the Women’s Centre has a vast array of programming directed towards all levels of change: the individual, the community and the political. The Women’s Centre’s three basic areas of change: Get Assistance, Connect with Others and Work for Change are used to respond to all entities impacting the lives of individual women. This anti-oppressive, holistic approach has proven to create permanent restoration in realms which have historically and currently oppress women from all identities.
What’s one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?
At the Women’s Centre I hope to learn more about policy change on the municipal (city) level. Over the years I have grown an interest in causing change on the legislative level. Direct assistance and practice with individuals has its value but in order to create real change on the individual level, systemic change needs to be done.
Describe a woman who you admire or who has influenced your life.
A woman who has inspired me has been my mentor. She is a woman who has experienced considerable challenges in her past, specifically in her upbringing, and mental and physical health. Due to her traumatic past, she has developed resilience through awareness, and education to resolve her past experiences. Nowadays, she is the most resilient and happy woman I know and she welcomes me to pick her brain on how she has jumped her hurdles. My mentor has inspired me by showing me that any woman has the ability to heal her past and change her future.