Individual
Most of us, if not all, like to have someone in our corner when it comes to dealing with difficult matters. The DWC operates on the fundamental assumption that all people have or ought to have certain basic rights. The DWC works specifically with, or on the behalf of, individuals to ensure their access to those rights through the services, resources and opportunities available to them.
We stand up for you!
If you are experiencing sexism, racism, or any other form of institutionalized oppression on campus or off, the Dalhousie Women’s Centre will try to assist you.
We support an individual’s position and/or provide evidence to defend that position. We will also accompany you to meetings, appointments, or court appearances, if you would like. Whatever the case may be, the Dalhousie Women’s Centre will advocate on your behalf and try to help in any way we can.
In the past we have:
- Written letters
- Made phone calls
- Represented women at informal hearings
- Attended legal meetings
- Accompanied women to court
- Met with University officials
- Accompanied women to various appointments (ex. doctor, social worker, case worker, etc.)
- Accompanied women to gain access to birth control, health care, reproductive health services
As well, we have an in-depth referral services and alliances we can connect you to.
The DWC and its volunteers are committed to confidentiality and discretion. If you need help, please contact us immediately.
Institutional
The DWC’s institutional advocacy portfolio aims to influence outcomes in public policy, resource allocation, and decision-making in political, economic, and social systems on campus and off that directly affect people’s lives.
The DWC works with on campus partners to build a campus community and culture that values, supports and recognizes all its members. Our partners include: the Equity Office, the Sexual Harassment Office, the Black Student Advising Centre, NSPIRG, and other on-campus groups and student societies that enhance and strengthen a culture of equality, equity, and social justice. We also work in the broader community of Halifax to help bring about systemic change in the areas of gender discrimination, racism, homophobia and transphobia, classism, ableism, etc.
A Pride poster made by one of our members.
Our current advocacy portfolio includes:
- Know Your Rights
- Outreach into Residence
- Halifax Regional School Board
- Sexual Assault Prevention
- Students with Children/Single Mothers attending school
- Racism in Nova Scotia
- The Rainbow Power Initiative
What We Do
Institutional advocacy enables social justice advocates to gain access and voice in the decision making of relevant institutions. It seeks to change the power relationships between these institutions and the people affected by their decisions.
Our efforts range from changing and improving institutional responses, to action aimed at influencing policy and resource allocation. Strategies to strengthen advocacy efforts may include coalition building and employing the media.
Resources and Referrals
On Campus
- Dalhousie Student Advocacy Service: Helps students receive fair and reasonable decisions on issues dealing with academic appeal and discipline matters. All inquiries are confidential. SUB, Room 310. dsas@dal.ca. 494-2205.
- Office of Human Rights, Equity & Harassment Prevention: Offers advice, information and support to students, faculty and staff. Any vexatious, unwelcome, or threatening/intimidating behaviour is not tolerated at Dalhousie. (See the Code of Student Conduct.) If you or a friend, male or female, is having difficulty, please contact the DWC or the Office of Human Rights, Equity & Harassment Prevention. Henry Hicks Arts & Administration Building, Basement Level, Room 2. 494-1137. Contact: Gaye Wishart, Harrassment Prevention/Conflict Management Advisor, gaye.wishart@dal.ca.
- DSU Legal Assistance Service: Provides legal help to Dalhousie students for any legal problem, regardless of whether or not it is University related. SUB, Room 222. dsusec@dal.ca.
Off Campus
- Dalhousie Legal Aid Service: Provides free assistance with legal issues. 2209 Gottingen Street, Halifax. legalaid@dal.ca. 423-8105.
- Elizabeth Fry Society: Advocates for women in conflict with the law and those at risk. 1 Tulip Street, Dartmouth. efrymain@efrynovascotia.com. 454-5041 or 1-877-619-1354.
