Join us in welcoming and getting to know our new Social Issues Coordinator, Rhoda Mitchell!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I was born in Edmonton, but grew up in Peru, Scotland and Ecuador prior to moving to Calgary where I completed my Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Calgary. I have worked both in Canada and internationally with women experiencing domestic violence. My experience in Latin America as a child heavily influenced my career path. For the last 8 years I spent time working in Peru on gender-based violence and gender inequity programs and policy, as they are issues that are close to my heart. I am passionate about social justice, especially improving the status of women.
What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?
I recently moved back to Calgary and was looking for a place in which I could continue to work with women on issues that affect their lives. I am very excited to have found the Women’s Centre – a place that supports women while working towards a more just society.
What is your personal definition of feminism?
Feminism is the belief that all people have equal rights and should participate fully in society. It is the struggle for the full recognition of these rights and for full equality – economically, socially and culturally. I believe that women face systemic barriers in our society that infringe on their human rights, limit their personal and collective power and exclude them from full participation in their communities. Challenging these barriers, many of which are ingrained in social policy, is fundamental to eliminate.
What is one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?
I hope to learn from the experiences of women in Calgary, about what issues they face and what their visions of their communities are.
Describe a woman who you admire and/or has influenced your life
My mother and my two sisters have greatly influenced my life. The three of them are strong, passionate leaders, who have taught me to reflect on the injustices and inequality in the world and to fight for social justice.