AGIR Outaouais
Outaouais women’s group hosts networking and conference day of action
Djeneba Dosso
On March 7, just a day before the International Women’s Rights Day, feminists from far and wide gathered at La Maison du citoyen. With the intention to unite and inspire, AGIR Outaouais hosted their seventh feminist gathering “Ça gronde!”
Translating to “It’s rumbling,” the mantra identifies the current social, political, and economic climate across the country. “It’s rumbling because of inequalities, violence, crises: climate, housing, our public services, confidence in our systems,” expressed Hamida Melouane, director of AGIR, an umbrella organization for women’s groups. “Our systems are failing, outdated and out of breath. As women, we’re on edge and angry, too!”
During an evening high in emotions, guest speakers were invited to voice their journeys to feminism, entrepreneurship, research, and activism. All four women, who come from different backgrounds and ways of life, were able to captivate and inspire the audience through their testimonials.
The first panelist, Morènikè Idji, founded CALAS Bénin, a centre for help and action against the sexual aggression of girls aged 12 and older. Idji immigrated to Canada in 2009, escaping the widespread acts of sexual violence against young girls in Bénin. Inspired by the works of CALAS Outaouais, notably their “Garde ça pour toi” campaign, Idji returned to her homeland in 2020 with a mission to protect.
“When I lived in Bénin I was always told that sexual assault did not exist or that it was a way for women to incriminate men. The intimidation tactics used to shut us up are carved so deep, they are relentless, and survivors internalize this,” she said. “It is vital to keep fighting and deconstruct the messages that these girls are receiving.”
For years, women and girls in the West African country have been silenced due to guilt and societal stigmatization. Through their campaigns, CALAS Bénin brings awareness to manipulation tactics used by aggressors through sexting or victim-blaming.
When asked what feminism meant to her, Idji did not hesitate before responding: “When I was introduced to feminism it felt like I was breathing [for the first time]. I have discovered sisterhood through feminism,” she said. “Knowing I am not alone, knowing we are living through the same things, evolves and feeds my feminism.”
A sentiment that is shared by Irene Xia Zhou of BoXia PARTAGE, a company which promotes local businesses, initiatives, and public engagements. Zhou arrived in Canada at fifteen but grew up in Spain with her family of Chinese descent. When the young entrepreneur entered the corporate world she was pushed to the back burner, never being able to earn a “space at the table,” even after a decade. So, she walked away.
While working in IT was her initial plan, once she was able to detach herself from her predispositions and convictions, she was set free. Today, she is fluent in five languages and is the recipient of several leadership awards, most recently the Recognition of Women Leaders of Orleans 2024.
Her advice for young women is to not be afraid of the unknown—accepting change while remaining true to oneself. “I was always rejected, but I did not care,” she said. “I did not want to change myself for others and I never did.”
Oppositely, the change of oneself is what helped Blanche Roy shape her definition of feminism. A Public Service Alliance of Canada retiree and feminist activist, she was born and raised in Quebec. Being the most seasoned feminist on the panel, Roy has lived through many eras of feminism, but her cries have always pushed for equal and reproduction rights.
As a young feminist, Roy’s definition of feminism was simple: to seek equality between women and men.
“Throughout the years, I began to understand that finding a solution to patriarchal oppression would not solve all oppressions,” she said. “Indigenous women, racialized women, second-generation women and immigrant women have shown me the need to enlarge and enrich my definition of feminism.”
This intersectional approach has changed the way she views and understands feminism, allowing her, much like Lila Ratsifa, to include all women in her militant work.
Madagascar native, Lila Ratsifa, manages the Multi-Ethnic Association for the Integration of Handicapped People in Montreal. Ratsifa’s priority has always been accessibility. She advocates for housing, efficient adapted transit, and job access for people with disabilities, also offering housing aid and French lessons to newcomers.
“We must spotlight people with different capacities,” she said. “People with handicaps are my family and I have a responsibility to help my family.”
The evening, which was sealed with a flash networking session saw a great turnout, accomplishing AGIR’s vision to “bring together committed women.”
“Before being a political or intellectual movement, feminism offeres a sense of community,” Idji said as she closed off her testimonial.
True to tradition, AGIR Outaouais will hold programming in honor of International Women’s Rights Day from February 28 to March 15. Upholding their commitment to strengthen solidarity and the defense of women’s rights through education and mobilization. A full calendar of activities organized by their member organizations can be found on their website at agir-outaouais.ca.
Photo 1: Pictured from left to right; Blanche Roy, Irene Xia Zhou, Morènikè Idji and Lila Ratsifa, panelists for AGIR’s seventh feminist gathering held on March 7. This year’s theme “Ça gronde!” was an opportunity for women across Quebec to meet at La Maison du Citoyen in Gatineau to connect and inspire each other.
Photo 2: Pictured from right to left; AGIR’s director, Hamida Melouane, presenting the four panelists alongside host and organizer Riantsoa Andriamasi.
Photo 3: Panelists sharing their testimonials at AGIR’s seventh feminist gathering “Ça gronde!”
Photo credit: Djeneba Dosso
