Women’s Day at the Capitol 2017

**THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH A ROOM CHANGE. SEE BELOW**

CWCS is proud to continue the annual signature legislative event inaugurated by the former Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) – Women’s Day at the Capitol. Last year Women’s Day fostered an important discussion about intersectional feminism which was led by the national organization SisterSong. Intersectionality, a phrase coined by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, is the understanding that certain groups of women have multi-layered facets in life. There is no one-size-fits-all type of feminism. For example, a black woman faces both racism and sexism as she navigates through every day life. For feminism and the women’s movement to be intersectional, we must look at the ways different oppression’s intersect, like gender, race, class, sexual orientation and ability.

CWCS will build upon the important conversations of last years Women’s Day by once again focusing on a conversation about intersectionality. Attendees will hear from Kimberly Norwood, a professor of Law and African America Studies at Washington University Law, about what intersectionality is, why it matters and how we can use this practice to guide our daily work as individuals, non-profits, state agencies, leaders and lawmakers.

**REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED**

(Please note that pre-registration does not guarantee seating. Registration is used to help us plan logistics for the event. We highly recommend that you come early to secure a seat).

The main event will take place from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. on March 8, 2017 in the North Lobby of the State Capitol. Following the keynote presentation that commences at noon, attendees will move to the  Old Judiciary Room of the State Capitol (3rd floor) to enjoy  lunch and panel about intersectional women’s issues  from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. 

Agenda:

9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Coffee and Networking (North Lobby of the State Capitol)

10 a.m. – Opening Remarks

10:10 a.m. – Remarks from Legislative Leaders

10:30 a.m. – Young Women Rising Essay Contest Awards Presentation

11 a.m. – Keynote Presentation by Kimberly Norwood (Topic: Intersectionality)

12 p.m. – Main Program’s Closing Remarks, Attendees Move to the Old Judiciary Room (3rd floor) for Lunch and a Panel Presentation

12:30 – 2 p.m. Panel Presentation about Intersectional Women’s Issues

Panelists:

• Chandra Bozelko, Advocate for Women in Prison
• Barbara López, Make the Road
• Candace Low, Independence Unlimited
• Arvia Walker, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England

Questions? Please contact Michelle Noehren at Michelle.Noehren@cga.ct.gov.

Before the start of Women’s Day at the Capitol join Secretary of the State Denise Merrill as she recognizes our state heroine Prudence Crandall, who demonstrated great courage and moral strength by taking a stand against prejudice. This year there will be a special tribute to Representative Betty Boukus who was a long-time champion of Crandall’s legacy. CWCS Communications and Women’s Policy Analyst Christine Palm will be providing remarks. Feel free to come early that morning and join this event at 9:15am in the South Lobby of the Capitol Building.