Rocker Bif Naked will speak about body image and the media as part of International Women’s Day activities at the Abbotsford campus of University of the Fraser Valley (33844 King Rd.) on Friday, March 8.
The event starts at 3 p.m. in B101 with a free screening of the documentary Miss Representation. The film focuses on how women are portrayed in the media and challenges mainstream media’s limited view on women.
“This is a powerful message that I think is important for young people,” said Lisa Morry, the UFV Faculty and Staff Association’s representative on the Status of Women.
“In Canada there are fewer women business leaders and government representatives in key positions than there are men. It’s vital to get a feminine perspective in decision-making.”
The documentary will be followed by refreshments and the guest lecture from Bif Naked.
A breast cancer survivor and punk rocker, Bif Naked has experience in the spotlight, and knows the pros and cons of media coverage. Her lecture will touch on this subject, specifically in the way it relates to women and body image.
Although she has never met the rocker, Morry, who has organized the International Women’s Day activities, is excited to bring Bif Naked to campus.
“She inspires me because of her positive attitude in battling cancer and dealing with a marriage breakup, while still pursuing her love affair with music,” Morry said.
“Bif Naked presents the image of a very strong woman who has faced some significant setbacks, but keeps getting up again and carrying on. I think that’s a scenario that’s familiar to many women as we move through our lives. It’s the getting back up again that makes the difference.”
As the documentary notes, there are not as many women who hold positions of power, and this should give people something to think about.
Morry points out that the female perspective is currently lacking, but could be a game-changer for society.
“Viewpoints shift when women help decide where we are going to spend our money and our energy as a society,” she said. “Are we going to invest in daycare, education and eliminating child poverty or are we going to buy some F-35 fighter jets?”
The event is free to students, and $10 for faculty and community members. Tickets are available at the Abbotsford and Chilliwack UFV libraries.
Partners for the event include University President Mark Evered, University Advancement Office, Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Faculty of Professional Studies, Fraser Valley’s Women’s Coalition, Abbotsford Police Department, and Canadian Federation of University Women.
For more information, contact Lisa Morry at lisa.morry@ufv.ca.
