Toronto, ON –On September 26th, 2015, witness the Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance of Ontario bring to the fore the legacy of Filipino women’s resistance in Canada through ‘Roots, Rhymes and Resistance (RRR)’, an annual concert featuring the talents of progressive Filipino Canadian women, youth, artists and allies. The event is part of the 15th and 25th respective anniversaries of the Philippine Women Centre of Ontario and Philippine Women Centres of British Columbia’s educating, organizing and mobilizing work in Canada.

This show will take place at the United Steelworkers Hall on Saturday, September 23rd, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Building off momentum from its recent educational workshops called “Where Have All the Women Gone? : Filipino Women’s Studies Series 2015”, key performances will put into creative expressions knowledge gained from the workshops. With a critical look and sharp analysis on issues such as childcare needs vis-à-vis Canada’s Caregiver Program, trafficking and prostitution, the Mail-Order Bride system and reproductive justice to just name a few, be prepared to be moved into action as key performers captures not only the lived day to day issues and struggles of Filipino women in Canada, but more importantly, their long history of resistance.

From colonisation to capitalist patriarchy’s relentless assault on Filipino women the world over, the event provides a living venue to go beyond victimhood towards genuine women’s empowerment. ‘We, progressive Filipino women, have a long history of struggle and resistance not only in the Philippines but also here in Canada. We actively learn from the struggles of our foremothers and sisters, and continue their legacies of resistance by collectively addressing our issues and fighting against patriarchy, systemic racism and socio-economic marginalization in Canadian society’ says Mohana Sarmiento, a member of the Philippine Women Centre of Ontario.

This year’s RRR will surely uphold the militant history and legacy of Filipino Women’s Resistance. “Filipino Canadian women have always been relegated to the margins of Canadian society. Let us move the margin to the centre by carrying on our legacy of resistance and paving the revolutionary road towards women’s liberation,” ends Mohana.

‘Roots, Rhymes and Resistance’ is yet another event for all youth to step up and be active contributors for genuine social change.

“Roots, Rhymes and Resistance: Celebrating Filipino Women’s Resistance”
Saturday, September 26, 2015 7:00 PM
United Steelworkers’ Hall
25 Cecil Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1N1
Tickets $10.00 each $15 at the door
Buy you tickets online here: http://bit.ly/1JirOCQ