2013 – Our Year in Review
Happy 1st birthday Femme! It’s hard to believe Femme was born just one year ago; she’s grown up so fast! When we first founded the organization, we weren’t sure what to expect in terms of growth and success and support. The last twelve months have been an amazing adventure filled with wonderful new beginnings and experiences. It has all far surpassed our expectations. Here are just a few highlights from Femme’s first year!
FHM Pilot Project
In April and May, Femme took its first strides in Kenya with a pilot project in the Mathare slum. Partnerships with several schools in the community were established and a needs assessment was conducted with 85 school-aged girls. The Feminine Health Management program was completed with 21 young women and our first batch of Femme Kits were distributed!
In April and May, Femme took its first strides in Kenya with a pilot project in the Mathare slum. Partnerships with several schools in the community were established and a needs assessment was conducted with 85 school-aged girls. The Feminine Health Management program was completed with 21 young women and our first batch of Femme Kits were distributed!
Pictured: Co-founder Sabrina, during a focus group with students from a partner school.
Femme International Benefit Concert
On August 17th, Femme proudly hosted its first concert fundraiser at The Handlebar in Kensington Market – it was a great success, with enough funds raised to provide over 60 Femme Kits to our girls. Many thanks to all those involved for donating their time and their talents! Acts included folk/root/blues band The Breaks as well as vocal powerhouse Ada Dahli, guitar/drum duo Crow Town and ambient folk band Weatherstone.
On August 17th, Femme proudly hosted its first concert fundraiser at The Handlebar in Kensington Market – it was a great success, with enough funds raised to provide over 60 Femme Kits to our girls. Many thanks to all those involved for donating their time and their talents! Acts included folk/root/blues band The Breaks as well as vocal powerhouse Ada Dahli, guitar/drum duo Crow Town and ambient folk band Weatherstone.
CrankyFest Launch Party
On September 13th, Board of Directors President Elenor Ball-Banting and Femme co-founders Ella Marinic and Sabrina Rubli attended the launch of CrankyFest, hosted by SheDoesTheCity. CrankyFest is an annual film festival dedicated to the topic of menstruation. Founded by Canadian actresses Liane Balaban, Vanessa Matsui, and costume designer Jenna Wright, CrankyFest has established itself as the first and only TIFF event dedicated to menstrual education.
On September 13th, Board of Directors President Elenor Ball-Banting and Femme co-founders Ella Marinic and Sabrina Rubli attended the launch of CrankyFest, hosted by SheDoesTheCity. CrankyFest is an annual film festival dedicated to the topic of menstruation. Founded by Canadian actresses Liane Balaban, Vanessa Matsui, and costume designer Jenna Wright, CrankyFest has established itself as the first and only TIFF event dedicated to menstrual education.
Pictured: Ella Marinic, Vanessa Matsui, Sabrina Rubli & Elenor Ball-Banting at CrankyFest.
The Red Panty Diaries
On October 3rd, Femme hosted The Red Panty Diaries, a feminist stand-up show featuring Toronto’s sassiest comedians. Hosted at Baltic Avenue, the theme of the show was, of course, menstruation! We could not have predicted the enormous success it would be. The show featured comedic performances by Heidi Brander, Zabrina Chevannes, Jess Beaulieu, Alannah Copetti, Natalie Norman and was hosted by Sarah Bruckschwaiger. Everyone is still raving about how talented these women are.
On October 3rd, Femme hosted The Red Panty Diaries, a feminist stand-up show featuring Toronto’s sassiest comedians. Hosted at Baltic Avenue, the theme of the show was, of course, menstruation! We could not have predicted the enormous success it would be. The show featured comedic performances by Heidi Brander, Zabrina Chevannes, Jess Beaulieu, Alannah Copetti, Natalie Norman and was hosted by Sarah Bruckschwaiger. Everyone is still raving about how talented these women are.
We are very proud to announce that The Red Panty Diaries will be returning on March 12th at Lula Lounge – so mark your calendars, you will not want to miss it!
A special thanks to Mishelle Menzies for the amazing artwork featured on our flyer!
International Day of the Girl Child
In honour of International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th, Femme partnered with YourBoxClub and CrankyFest to generate support for our shared cause. CrankyFest released an animated video starring Jay Baruchel which aimed to de-stigmatize conversations about menstruation. The video was released on October 11th and a Femme Kit was donated for every 500 views that week.
In honour of International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th, Femme partnered with YourBoxClub and CrankyFest to generate support for our shared cause. CrankyFest released an animated video starring Jay Baruchel which aimed to de-stigmatize conversations about menstruation. The video was released on October 11th and a Femme Kit was donated for every 500 views that week.
FHM Project
In November and December, Femme’s staff was in Mathare implementing the FHM program with over 130 young women. The project was a huge success, with a number of teachers asking that we return in the spring to work with the next cohort of students. Femme hopes to not only return, but to expand its reach in the community by partnering with additional schools and foundations.
In November and December, Femme’s staff was in Mathare implementing the FHM program with over 130 young women. The project was a huge success, with a number of teachers asking that we return in the spring to work with the next cohort of students. Femme hopes to not only return, but to expand its reach in the community by partnering with additional schools and foundations.
Pictured: A participant reads her workbook during an FHM workshop.
All in all, it was a very eventful year – with the most important event being our achievement of charitable status! As a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency, Femme International is sure to expand its reach and reputation in 2014. A big thank you to all those who made it the best first year we could have ever hoped for!
Ella Marinic
