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Festival of Ideas: Gender equality on agenda for leading human rights campaigner

Posted on 27 March 2018

Leading human rights campaigner and Shadow Attorney General, Shami Chakrabarti, will take part in the York Festival of Ideas 2018, discussing why women still need equality in the 21st century.

Shami Chakrabarti is best known for her work at Liberty, the National Council for Civil Liberties

Shami was the Director of Liberty, the National Council for Civil Liberties from 2003 to 2016 and is now a member of the House of Lords. She is the author of On Liberty, a book focused on the defence of human rights.

Recent high profile international campaigns on gender equality have demonstrated the challenges faced in 21^st century life; Shami will discuss the ways in which these challenges could be addressed to create a more equal, happier, and peaceful world.

Contemporary problem

Joan Concannon, Director of York Festival of Ideas, said: “Gender injustice is both a historical and contemporary problem for societies across the world, and one that Shami has highlighted through her dedication to a variety of campaigns and public engagement activities.

“This event is part of a wider programme strand within the festival entitled ‘Of Women’ and marks the centenary of women’s suffrage.

“York is also a Human Rights City and the University of York has a global reputation for its research in conflict resolution, human rights, gender equality and social justice.

“We are looking forward to hearing Shami’s views on how to create a globally inclusive environment, where everyone is able to fulfil their potential.”

Representation

Shami will touch upon topics such as schooling, employment, faith and political representation to help outline what areas need further work and more inspiring people to create positive change.

She will also be signing copies of for her latest book, Of Women: In the 21st Century, following the Festival event, as well as celebrating the ten year anniversary of York’s Law School by judging a simulation of court room hearing conducted by University Law students. 

Keep up-to-date on tickets and other events in the Festival by signing up to mailing list: http://yorkfestivalofideas.com/2017/

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