The Regina Public Library (RPL) is joining the conversation around the #MeToo movement through an expert panel discussion Tuesday night.
A University of Regina justice studies professor, along with representatives from the YWCA, Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women’s Circle and Regina Sexual Assault Centre, will make up the panel to discuss the local, national and cultural perspectives on #MeToo.
Jennifer Matotek, director and curator of the Dunlop Art Gallery at the Regina Public Library, is moderating the panel. She said she hopes those who’ve experienced sexual assault or harassment use the event as a safe resource.
“I want them to take away that they’re not alone, that there are things that they can do — that other people can do. Really, just that the door is open for change to be continuing to happen,” Matotek explained.
Most of all, she added she wants the community to understand that Regina’s libraries are safe spaces to talk about sexual violence.
“We do want to inspire learning and growth in people, but we also think it’s so important to create a welcoming environment, where people can have conversations with intellectual and cultural access,” Mototek said.
Teaching people about the proper legal definitions around terms like “sexual assault” and “sexual harassment” will also be a point in the panel, she noted.
After the discussion, there will be a free screening of the Canadian film called A Better Man, which touches on the roots and consequences of domestic violence.
The #MeToo panel is the first Hot Topics discussion the Regina Public Library plans to host each month moving forward. Matotek said future topics could include technology or the environment.
The conversation gets underway at 7 p.m. at the RPL Film Theatre located in the central library.