DISCOVER: MPMG Team Shares International Women’s Day Art + Literature Picks
On International Women’s Day, we acknowledge the women and non-binary writers, artists + creatives whose essential work moves forward our collective conversation on women’s rights.
In honour of this day, we asked our team: “What work of art or literature has helped shape your understanding of women’s rights?”
Laura Murray, Principal + Founding Partner:
Run Toward the Danger by Sarah Polley
An extraordinary memoir in the form of a collection of six essays, each providing a forensic account of life changing events that have shaped Polley. A bracing and empowering read, chock-full of important learnings – Polley challenges gender conformity, confronts trauma head on, explores broader systemic breakdowns from #MeToo to the film industry’s exploitation of workers, encourages reinvention at any age, and, ultimately, reminds us the importance of sharing our truths and telling our stories.
Angela Poon, Communications Manager:
Indigenous Artist Sho Sho Esquiro
Artist Sho Sho Esquiro’s first solo exhibition at Bill Reid Gallery was a revelation. Through the subversive combination of couture gowns and striking commentary, Sho Sho uses women’s fashion to call urgent attention to the devastating impacts of colonial practices on Indigenous women and girls.
Sijia Cheng, Digital Marketing Coordinator:
When I first saw “Sister Act” in a second-grade English class, the eight-year-old me was astounded by the story of assertive, talented women breaking free from traditional roles. While my childhood memories of this movie might not be entirely accurate, the bold and unconventional sisterhood and solidarity portrayed offered me my very first glimpse into the idea of powerful and dynamic female friendships – a cornerstone of any women’s movement.
Angela Vannatter, Communications Specialist:
Watching “Poor Things” was such a liberating experience, observing a woman who can’t even begin to conceptualize shame. Watching Emma Stone’s character be so in touch with her inner child, focussed on pleasure, happiness, and growing to understand her own existence pulled, warmed, and stomped on my heart.
Ariane Bell Vila, Communications Coordinator:
Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf
Menstrual Equity was a term that I had not heard of until early 2020, though I’d heard of the concept of period poverty, which is unfortunately very much a reality here in Canada. One in six Canadians who menstruate have personally experienced period poverty, and that number rises to one in four if their household earns less than $40,000 a year. (Those numbers are from a 2023 public opinion research survey conducted by Environics Research on behalf of Women and Gender Equality Canada). Though the author is based in the US, this is a very accessible read that covers a lot of ground, and I learned a lot about menstrual health and the politics that surrounds it.
Deborah Hui, Communications Coordinator:
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
This beautifully-written memoir taught me so much about the resilience and courage women can have even as they witness their rights being stripped away. It was also the first time I read anything about the Iranian Revolution, and made me question if I would have the same bravery as the women I was reading about.
Categories: MPMG