George Elliott Clarke's new poem, Place/Position/Status, celebrates the achievements of women
OTTAWA, Oct. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Women's History Month is a time of celebration across the country, and to commemorate this important occasion, George Elliott Clarke, Canada's Parliamentary Poet Laureate, has penned a new poem, entitled Place/Position/Status.
Place/Position/Status is an anthem for Women's History Month and draws on this year's theme, Claim Your Place, in its rousing challenge of outdated gender stereotypes and spirited support for women who pursue their ambitions in fields as diverse as politics, law, media, arts, and social justice. It is also a call to action reminding us all that despite significant progress, there is still work to do to make gender equality a reality
The Government of Canada is encouraging everyone to read Place/Position/Status as a way to acknowledge the contributions of women and take part in Canada's thriving arts and culture community. Join the conversation online – share your story and honour the women and girls working to advance gender equality by using the hashtag #ClaimYourPlace.
Together, we can inspire everyone – regardless of their gender – to stand up and claim their place in the world.
Quotes
"I am proud to announce that our Parliamentary Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke has composed a poem to commemorate women's history month. Poetry is a powerful way of communicating and inspiring positive change. Our government is grateful to George for sharing his time and talent for the betterment of our country.
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women
"Women's empowerment is an ongoing, social benefit whose full, Utopian results are yet incipient. Still, the socio-economic improvements wrought by women's constitutional equality are apparent: A more talented, inspired, and collegial workforce; a great reduction in social violences; greater intolerance for intolerance; greater access to visionary versions of education and family formation....These transformations have been wrought—are being wrought—by the rejection of limitations upon where women can be, where women can go, and what women can do. And as women are liberated from the constraints of patriarchal values, so is the entire society uplifted.
George Elliott Clarke
Parliamentary Poet Laureate of Canada
Quick Facts
- The position of Parliamentary Poet Laureate was created in 2001 in recognition of the importance of literature, culture and language and the role of poetry in Canadian life.
- October is Women's History Month in Canada, a month that includes International Day of the Girl on October 11 and Persons Day on October 18. It is an important opportunity to recognize the immeasurable contributions of women and girls throughout our history.
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Associated Links
- Celebrate Women's History Month
- The Parliamentary Poet Laureate
- Website
- YouTube
SOURCE Status of Women Canada
Célia Canon, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-862-3270; Léonie Roux, Public Affairs Officer, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6821
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