September 21, 1999

Women Only Space

On December 6th, 1989 an armed
and disgruntled engineering student
burst into a classroom at the
University of Montreal and ordered
all the men to leave. Once they were
gone, he screamed “you're all a
bunch of fucking feminists” and then
assassinated 14 women. This is an
extreme case of violence against
women; however, the fact remains
that we live in a society that perpetu-
ates violence against women-whether
it be physical, mental or sexual. For
this reason and many more, women-
only spaces exist to offer women a
safe place. If you were to ask ten dif-
ferent women why it was a women-
only space, you might get ten different
answers. However, providing women
with one place on campus where they
know they will be free from harass-
ment or stalking or other unwanted
interaction is the essence of why the
space is for women only. The
women’s centre is available to all
women on campus and it reflects the
diversity of the women who use the
space. Contrary to the popular myth,
itis not reserved exclusively for “man-
hating lesbians”.
What We Offer

The Women’s Centre offers a variety
of services to the UNBC community.

BUGSS Auction a

Hit!

LETTERS
Get To Know The Women’s Centre

We have a small library that has alter-
native and academic materials. The
resources can be used in the centre
or they can be borrowed and taken
outside of the centre. If men are inter-
ested in borrowing material, there are
resource lists available at the PIRG
office and at the reference desk in the
library; a book exchange can then be
arranged by calling the centre. We
also have information on services and
organizations in the Prince George
community. So, if you need info on
where to go to get checked for STDs,
where to go to get help for an eating
disorder, where to go to get counsel-
ing because you think that you are in
an abusive relationship, or where to
turn for other health and wellness
issues, we can point you in the right
direction.
Workshops

The Women’s Centre also offers a
variety of different workshops that are
open to the UNBC community. Body
Pride is a workshop that happens
each week during the school year. It is
a group for women to discuss body-
image issues. If you are tired of feel-
ing ashamed about the way your body
looks and want a safe place to dis-
cuss these issues, then this is the
group for you. This year, so far, we are
also planning to offer workshops on

by Joe Nygren

The first annual
BUGSS Internet auc-
tion was a terrific suc-
cess. Bidding continued
right until the last min-
utes, as bidding for all
items closed at various
times on Thursday
September 30, 1999.
Many students were
thrilled at the chance to
receive great items for
such reasonable prices.
Some of the popular
items receiving many
bids were a van rental,

various gift certificates,
and limited print paint-
ings. The auction gener-
ated over $1,700 in rev-
enues that will help fund
various BUGSS events
throughout the year.

BUGSS would like
to extend a big thank-
you to all who made
bids in the auction as
well as those who
donated the many great
items to make the event
a success.

Over The Edge welcomes all letters to the
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Over The Edge reserves the right to edit for

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sho Rides Asante Editor.

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homophobia, conflict resolution, and
workshops that provide both men and
women the opportunity to further
explore why we need women’s cen-
tres and women-only spaces. We will
also be offering open houses during
the school year in which the Women’s
Centre will be open to both women
and men. Men, if you are curious to
come in and check out the centre, this
would be a great opportunity to take
advantage of.
Organize Events

The Women’s Centre also organizes
activities to commemorate different
events. For example, each year in the
beginning of December, we hold a
memorial to mark the anniversary of
the death of the 14 women who were
assassinated at the University of
Montreal in 1989. In March, we cele-
brate International Women’s Day.
Place To Relax

We also have a couple of comfy
couches in the centre. So, if you just
need to take a break and relax in
between classes, you can come into
the centre and just hang out.
Social Network

The Women’s Centre is also a great
place to meet people. Starting in
October, will be offering monthly
potlucks. These are great opportuni-
ties to make new friends and enjoy

a | i ee

The Japan Exchange Teaching Program

Over The Edge Page 5

some good food.
Creative Outlet

What about all you creative types?
Well, the Women’s Centre is here for
you too! Are you closet painter or poet
and want a place to display your art?
Then come on by the centre because
our walls are also here for you. As
well, if you are interested in contribut-
ing to a creative journal published by
the Women’s Centre then drop in,
sign up and hand something in.
Volunteer Opportunities

The Women’s Centre is volunteer-
driven. Things happen because peo-
ple get involved. Events, workshops,
and activities all have to be organized
by someone. So, if you want to get
involved, then come to the centre for
more info or attend our bi-monthly
collective meetings. These meetings
are a great way to become familiar
with the centre and to meet people.

What else can | say about the
Women’s Centre? Well, you might
want to know where we are located:
we are in the Agora building in
between the Wintergarden and the
security office. If anyone has any
questions about the centre, please
feel free to drop by or give us a call at
960-5632.

by Suzie Tepperman

The Government of Japan
invites
university graduates

to Japan

as Assistant English Teachers

or Coordinators for International
Relations.

Application Deadline : Nov. 26, 1999
For more details, contact

Consulate General of Japan

Tel: 604-684-5868 ext. 240

programs@consulipnvan.com
www.embassyjapancanada.org

“SET

Programme

Information Session
on Nov. 3, (Wed).
12:30pm to 2:00pm

at Pacific Western Brewery
Seminar Room

Applications aiso available at
the Student Success Centre