The Feminist Festival Against Fascism

Please join us for an evening celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, jointly hosted by the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) and the Archives and Special Collections (ARCS) at the University of Ottawa.

Inspired by the 1981 “Community Festival Against the Klan” organized by the Riverdale Action Committee Against Racism (RACAR), this collaborative event is an opportunity to commemorate the accomplishments of local organizers and to learn about histories of community resistance to violence against women, fascism, and white supremacy in Canada. In 1981, the presence of a new Klu Klux Klan chapter in East Toronto galvanized neighbours to mobilize in solidarity against racial terror. RACAR’s “Festival Against the Klan” included political speeches, performances, educational workshops, and a march against the KKK.

“Feminist Festival Against Fascism” will include an opening ceremony, a recognition ceremony honouring three key areas of feminist leadership in Ottawa (Advocate, Rabble Rouser, and Visionary), light entertainment, and a lively game of Feminist Trivia (not to mention prizes and free snacks!) In the ARCS reading room, attendees will have a chance to view this year’s public history exhibit, The Feminist Economy: Women’s Perspectives on Trade and Labour.

Like RACAR and other 1980s groups such as Gays and Lesbians Against the Right Everywhere (GLARE), Lesbians Against the Right, and the International Women’s Day Committee, we insist on celebrating our shared struggle while militantly opposing gender-based violence, racial hatred, attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, and authoritarianism in all its forms. Whether you’re a protestor, an activist, a service provider, worker, scholar, artist, or community member wishing to unite against oppressive forces, you too are a part of the collective history preserved and documented here at ARCS.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Host or Publisher The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW)