Over the Edge « February 22, 2006 » Online Network Brings Northern Women Together REBECCA CARMICHAEL COPY EDITOR Women living in northern rural communities face unique challenges that may not be addressed by cur- rently available social services. The social determinants of health as de- fined by Health Canada tend to affect women more strongly than men, and women in isolated rural communities more strongly than those in other liv- ing situations. Northern rural women are more vulnerable to the problems of poverty, violence, isolation and lack of access to health and social services. In particular, the situation of women liy- ing in poverty is often “exacerbated by lack of good paying jobs, lack of access to education to get the credentials for good paying jobs and of course cuts to social services for women and families,’ according to Christina McLennan, volunteer coordinator for the Women North Network. In order to address these issues, the Women North Network (WNN) was initiated out of a Status of Women Canada funded project with Northern FIRE: The Center for Women's Health Research at UNBC. This project is an innovative technology and community based network intended to bring to- gether women across Northern BC. In order to gain an understanding of the needs of women living in northern rural BC, project coordinator Chris- tina McLennan traveled to about ten communities in Northern BC and-- spoke with women about what they felt would make their communities health- sc transat HOLIDAYS VALLARTARR J MEXICO YOUR ALL INCLUSIVE ier for women. She found that “small communities tend to be really innova- tive in figuring out ways to make their communities healthier and better for women and their families. Women like to be able to connect with other women to talk about things like that.’ Based on the needs of northern women, an online network was created largely through the efforts of. social work professors Dawn Hemingway and Christina McLennan, “When women pattici- pate in the network, it gives them a support system that they may not have in other areas of their life.” This network is accessible through www3.telus.net/public/wnn/ and through www.unbc.ca/northernfire/. A number of online components are utilized in order to facilitate commu- nication and distribute information. An e-mail list with about 250 members distributes news and events relevant to women living in the north, as well as health and wellness information. Much of this information is also available publicly on the website. A particularly innovative component is the password- protected Women North Network Online Gathering Space, which utilizes WebCT technology, This space acts as a discussion and information forum Royal Decameron Compl tek tek + All Inclusive, Hate! room for women living in isolated areas with similar concerns to come together and have a stronger voice. The gathering space is an excel- lent resource for northern women to network with each other and have an impact on health and social policy. Fa- cilitating social activism is an impor- tant component to the Women North Network. When women participate in the network, it gives them a support system that they may not have in other areas of their life. It also allows them to discuss health issues they may not be able to bring up in everyday life. Chris- tina McLennan focused her Master of Social Work thesis on the use of the in- ternet for addressing womens health is- sues through networking, The Women North Network was used as the sub- ject of the thesis. This study found the online network to be highly effective in achieving the goals of facilitating wom- ens health through networking. So far, the program has been well received and the women involved are enthusiastic about it. Christina McLennan often gets back e-mails from women saying things like, “I feel isolated in my life, ‘WNN is my link for knowing what is going on women's issues, it's great to get this news.” If you wish to get involved with the Women North Network as a volunteer or participant, e-mail womennorth- network@telus.net. More information is available on the website located at www3.telus.net/public/wnn/, also linked at wwwunbe.ca/northernfite/. ex ‘Occidental Allegro Nuevo Vailarta kek /2 All Inclusive, Hotel room , 6 Beach akaK2+ Al Inclusive, | or 2- bedroom delne suite 4 meals daily, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, numerous activities and sometimes even a few extras! SS Sunburst Travel & Cruises Ltd. prison pie ‘pements tes! miprbers Of Transat AT. Ine. BE RES 2454 ‘ofiy. Package grown are peteat basod on double eooupency and vetiagt Gatly Boceing Barus ind Gave AF Goasos Long discounts whois Se eee at ‘Spas is aeadatie of tie af cor-aehvertionng dencdine.. Por hal terme: & conndtions nos the Winter Sun 2006-2008 tieetoren, Sasiaat Hetty 8 2 divigion af Teaneat Tours. Carine Inc. Air Thanet ane Teaneat Modideys are News 3 Photo Editor Ad Manager Distribution Manager Technical Advisor Remember, you have to sub- mit at least 2 pieces of work to Over The Edge before we can hire you, so submit at least 2 articles, pictures, or comics before the end of this semes- ter! Application forms are available in the Over the Edge office and are due March 1. Over The Edge is currently hiring staff positions, for dates starting in the 2006 fall semester! These pos- itions include: Editor-In-Chief Managing Editor Production Coordinator News Editor Copy Editor Sports and Clubs Editor Fly for FREE to London when you buy one of the following Contiki tours departing Canada by May 23/06: @ European Explorer @ European Adventurer a Ultimate European = 47-Day Camping Or fly at special discounted rates when you buy other selected Contiki tours departing Canada by May 23/06 — ask your Travel CUTS consultant for more details. GREAT DEAL FOR PRINGE GEORGE STUDENTS! Appiicabie tours must be booked and paid in full between jan.02 - March 31/06, Space is limited, and may sell out before this date. Weekend surcharges, taxes, and other government/airline/service fees not included. Valid international Student identity Card (ISIC) required: Terms & conditions apply. Travel CUTS is owned and operated by the Canadian Federation of Students. ¢« TRAVEL CUTS See the world your way 1-800-954-2666 Hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 5pm Sunday: HOus - bm www.travelcuts.com Puerto Vallarta & Vallarta Nayarit DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM Prince George MARCH MADNESS SALE _ Ask about our SPECIAL RATES in 10 or more people! VANCOUVER DEPARTURES LOS CABOS Feb Tl Tesoro Los Cabos tetete® + All inclusive, Junior suite PUNTA CANA Feb 23 Club Premium at Occidental Grand Flamenco Punta Cana tokctek «All inclusive, Hote! room with Premium Club MAYAN RIVIERA Feb 26, Mar 3,5 Prestige Club at Barcelé Maya... FICK? + All Inclusive, Deluxe room 1899 ppicabis. A prices ate sulyect th change wittioid Holts: Departure taxes, angporiation fees, GST veers anpltabi); sup) 1949 1899 229 2029 2249 2149 Tweek 1099 lweek For the Best Deals on Travel Call 562-5444 177 Victoria St Visit us at our website www.uniglobesunbursttravel.com. email: holiday@uniglobesunbursttravel.com Open Saturdays Locally Owned and Operated B.C. Reg. No.910-0