We are grateful and excited to share that our first ever exhibition, Through the Lens: A Photographic Exploration of Exclusion, Inclusion and Belonging in the Childcare System, just opened last Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster!
Through the Lens is a photographic journey created by participants of the “Building A Child Care System That Works for Immigrant and Refugee Women”project. On this journey, they explore their experiences of exclusion, inclusion, and belonging in the childcare system. These photographs aim to raise awareness about the barriers immigrant and refugee women face, and to encourage critical dialogue about the need for an equitable and inclusive approach to building a childcare system. Touching on stories of discrimination, isolation, resilience, but also joy and empowerment, the exhibition offers an opportunity for community members and decision-makers to engage and learn from the lived experiences of immigrant and refugee women.
Building a Childcare System that Works for Immigrant and Refugee Women project
In 2021, after decades of advocacy, all Canadian provinces and territories signed the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) agreement. This commitment represents a significant step toward establishing a universal high-quality, affordable, accessible, and inclusive childcare system for all Canadians.
With the support from Women and Gender Equality Canada, PIRS launched the “Building a Childcare System that Works for Immigrant and Refugee Women” project to make sure that immigrant and refugee women are represented at the decision-making tables and that their voices are included in the development of the system, particularly in the context of pandemic recovery. The project brings together immigrant and refugee women who have direct experience with the childcare system as parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates.
The exhibition is open to the public until May 2, 2023, on the fourth floor of the Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC). We hope to see you there!