TORONTO, March 6, 2014 – The Hon. Olivia Chow, MP Trinity-Spadina, will be the keynote speaker for this year’s International Women’s Day celebration today at York, the theme of which is inspiring change.

She will be joined by aboriginal elder Laureen Waters, featured speaker, with remarks by Rhonda Lenton, York’s provost and vice-president academic, and Professor Enakshi Dua of the School of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies and director of the Centre for Feminist Research.

What:  International Women’s Day Keynote Speech by The Hon. Olivia Chow, M.P.

When:  Thursday, March 6, 2014

12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Where:  Senate Chambers, 940N Ross Building, Keele campus (Building 28 on the map) York University, 4700 Keele St. | Map & Directions

Admission:  Free (open to the public)

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 27 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

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Media Contact: Robin Heron, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 ext. 22097, rheron@yorku.ca