Feminist Legal Studies Queen's
Fall Term 2025 Lectures
Monday, September 22, 2025
1-2:20 pm
Hybrid Event
Register here
Pearl Eliadis | Associate Professor (professional), Max Bell School of Public Policy; Full Member, Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, Faculty of Law, McGill University
Topic: Safer Spaces, Stronger Selves: Gender Justice in Housing and Human Security
Abstract:
The word “homelessness” seldom comes to mind when thinking of women fleeing violence. But rising housing insecurity and overlapping housing crises are creating gender-specific risks. This talk will share research underway through the interdisciplinary Quebec Homelessness Prevention Policy Collaborative, and its legal reform project that uses a human rights-based approach to law to drive social change.
Bio:
Pearl is a senior human rights lawyer and has taught law and policy at McGill University for 13 years. In her international practice, she has worked on human right issues in eight countries and been actively engaged with CIvil Society on a range of gender issues, including the elimination of violence against women. Current areas of interest are the intersection between the right to adequate housing, the right to be free from violence and gender equality. Pearl co-leads the Legal Reform Project of the the Quebec Homelessness Prevention Collaborative and has recently published policy analysis on the relationship between second stage housing and human security.
Background readings:Background readings:
Law Reform Opportunities in Quebec for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Investing in Safety and Stability - The Urgent Need to Support 2nd Stage Shelters for Women Escaping Violence
Monday, September 29, 2025
1-2:20 pm
Hybrid Event
Register here
Astara van der Jagt | Director of Programs, Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW); Founder/CEO, EquiShift
Topic: From Silence to Systems Change: Collective Strategies to End Femicide and Gender-Based Violence
Abstract:
Every 48 hours in Canada, a woman, girl or gender-diverse person is killed in an act of femicide. This lecture examines gender-based violence (GBV) prevention locally in Ottawa, nationally across Canada and internationally within movements to end femicide. It will explore systemic barriers rooted in colonialism and exclusion, alongside new strategies for coordination, accountability and community-led change. Drawing on Ottawa’s three-year GBV Action Plan, the session highlights bold, community-driven approaches to ending femicide.
Bio:
Astara van der Jagt (she/her) is the Director of Programs at the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) and Founder/CEO of EquiShift, a social impact initiative advancing equity and systems change. At OCTEVAW, she leads community-driven strategies to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), including the development of City of Ottawa's three-year GBV Action Plan. With a decade of experience in research, policy advocacy, and program management, Astara works at the intersection of equity, safety, and community organizing, centering collaboration, intersectionality, and survivor voices in building accountable and transformative systems.
Background readings:
Forthcoming
Monday, November 10, 2025
1-2:20 pm
Hybrid Event
TBD