Speaker Biography
A journalist by trade and feminist activist by nature, Judy Rebick is leading the charge for social justice through print, broadcast and in person. She’s considered one of Canada’s leading feminists, actively speaking out for what she feels is right. She is the former president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, and lends her considerable expertise to Fair Vote Canada and Alternatives, a Quebec-based NGO. Rebick held the Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and Democracy, having been appointed to it upon its creation.
In spring 2018, Rebick released her latest work, a new book titled: Heroes in my Head, where she shares her experiences as a vocal spokesperson for the pro-choice movement during the fight to legalize abortion and when she became president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. In public, she was fighting for justice and women’s rights, while in private she was fighting a personal battle with mental health.
Rebick’s experience also includes hosting two national TV shows on CBC and continues as a frequent commentator on the airwaves. She is also the founding publisher of rabble.ca, Canada’s most active independent online news and discussion site. Given Rebick’s vast experience, it’s no surprise her most requested topics discuss equality issues for women, social equity and civic engagement.
Rebick has designed and implemented employment equity programs, anti-racist training and leadership seminars and can bring effective, real-world strategies to the table that will have a positive impact on your organization. Fluent in English and French, Rebick is originally from the US and also takes a special interest in the social and political issues shaping the American landscape.
She’s also author of Ten Thousand Roses, described as ‘a rich tapestry of stories told by over a hundred feminists from across Canada who organized, discussed, protested and struggled for change.
Legalized abortion, resistance to male violence, pay equity and employment equity, legal equality through the Charter, pornography, anti-racism, action against poverty, rights for Aboriginal women and child care: these are the issues that rallied Canadian women to activism from the 1960s through the 1990s, the second wave of feminism. Judy Rebick, feminist activist, weaves together an insightful and stirring oral history full of four decades of struggle, defeat and triumph. The book also offers honest and insightful discussions of the differences that simultaneously divided and strengthened the women’s movement in its efforts to remake a male-dominated culture. These stories define the Canadian women’s movement as one of the most successful on the planet and open a treasure chest of knowledge for anyone wanting to make a better world.’
Rebick has authored several books, but feels her greatest skill is on the platform, where audiences are consistently impressed by her passion for her topics and her fiery, feisty style. Her personal story is also a must-hear for anyone needing inspiration or encouragement from a strong, successful, female perspective.
An orator and activist at heart, Rebick is skilled in debate and unafraid to take on the most differing opinions in the advancement of equality and social justice for all.
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