CORNWALL, Ontario – Members of the community who identify as female are invited to a night of empowerment at Cline House Gallery/OBO Studios on Nov. 8 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The evening event, hosted by Sexual Assault Support Services of SDG&A, has no set admission fee but encourages a donation. Funds raised will be donated to the United Way.
“It’s really open but it’s more specific to female representation, so if you identify as a female you come out and speak,” said Amanda Marini-Rohde, Volunteer Coordinator and Public Educator for SASS.
Marini-Rohde explained that she hosted a similar event in May 2017 that featured poetry about feminism, interpretive dances and speeches relating to living as a female. This year, the event is set to cultivate a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere with a café feel. Hors d’oeuvres will be served by Simply Jennifer Coffee & Eats.
“It’s really an event for people, women to come out and speak, dance, sing; whatever vein of performance that they enjoy, that resonates with them, that they can relate to,” said Marini-Rohde.
The evening is currently set to feature 10 performers, including a local singer/songwriter and a submitted dance film from a past attendee who is now touring in the live performance of The Ghomeshi Effect.
“It’s a powerful night,” said Marini-Rohde. “People get to choose the art or work that they share…ultimately just the act of getting up in front of a group of people is the definition of strength…whether that means being vulnerable and speaking your experience, or being angry, or being honest and authentic, I think that is strength itself.”
For more information, contact Marini-Rohde at volunteer@sassforwomen.ca or 613-932-1755-ext. 27.
