Local United on Canadian stage for gender based violence
A local activist and motivational speaker empowered hundreds of people across the globe in tackling gender inequality.
IRIS Canham, an activist for gender equality, recently took to an international stage in Canada as part of the Spur Change Pathways to Gender Equality Conference in Ottawa, Canada.
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Canham participated in the panel discussion Beyond the Conventional, sharing her ground-breaking work as an independent activist and project manager with the Roll a Hippo Foundation.
The foundation’s innovative efforts to improve water accessibility for women and girls in South Africa not only eases daily burdens, but also unlocks opportunities for education, improved health and food security and economic participation.
She was invited as one of four international speakers. “Access to water is not just about survival – it’s about dignity and empowerment,” Canham said. She also spoke passionately about integrating gender pedagogy into early childhood education, describing it as a vital step toward narrowing gender equity gaps. She said the Canadian tour didn’t end in Ottawa.
In British Columbia, she inspired over 500 children with readings from her book, Thokozile Had a Dream, which highlights the struggles of water insecurity and its impact on education for girls. Her interactive sessions sparked curiosity and compassion among the young listeners, planting seeds of global awareness.
At Rotary Club events in Sechelt and Gibsons, Canham addressed diverse audiences during lunch and dinner sessions. Her stories of resilience and collaboration inspired Canadian communities to take actionable steps toward addressing gender inequities worldwide.
“This trip was a reminder of the power of shared stories,” Canham said. “When we connect across continents, we uncover solutions that truly change lives.”
Her journey to Canada serves as a powerful testament of the importance of global collaboration in tackling gender inequality and securing basic human rights for all.
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