The Women’s Centre hosted the Magnificent Women’s Awards Gala on March 22 to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of women on campus — handing out 35 awards to nominated recipients.
“Their strength, resilience and achievements deserve to be honoured, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do,” said Women’s Centre executive Nia Sharma during her opening remarks.
The annual event, which took place in the Marshall McLuhan Hall, brought together undergraduate and graduate students and university staff from various academic backgrounds who received recognition.
The awards ranged from community awards, such as most supportive, most active female student club member and top female athlete to faculty awards, including women in STEM, health science, arts and other disciplines.
“You are all remarkable women, paving the way forward for others and inspiring change,” said Sharma.
Heaven Kaur, University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) Women’s Centre representative and Women’s Centre president, stated that nominations opened on Jan. 19 and closed on Feb. 16. Individuals were able to nominate a peer or themselves by submitting a rationale in response to the award eligibility criteria.
The selection committee chose from 90 nominations.
Over 30 awards were provided to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of women on campus.
“I believe there has never been in my lifetime a moment more urgent than now to listen to women, to believe women and to believe in women,” said Jennifer Watt, a guest speaker and assistant professor in the faculty of education.
“We have to keep looking for the generous, the brave, the strong and the compassionate. As magnificent women, we can teach new ways to live with radical love.”
Watt, whose research focuses on exploring how to confront gender based sexual violence in schools, was the recipient of the women in education award and spoke on how education can empower and protect women.
Fabiana Turelli, an assistant professor in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management, also addressed those in attendance adding that she is “proud of our common project of a more just world.
“The strength of each of us has beautiful, transformative power,” she said.
The event also featured live music by the Mia Chantal Trio, composed of students in the Desautels faculty of music jazz studies program.
Mia Agren (vocals), Ash Andrusiak (saxophone) and Adrienne Schantz (piano) performed live music as part of the Mia Chantal Trio.
Kaur stated that the biggest takeaway message from the gala is to appreciate every woman in your life.
“Appreciate them, tell them that you appreciate their work, tell them that they are loved, they are known, that you are always there for them,” she said.
“I think often, we get too busy in our own lives. We don’t acknowledge our loved ones.”
Leata Goulet will be sworn-in as the 2025-26 UMSU Women’s Centre representative and Women’s Centre president on May 1. Kaur did not seek re-election and successfully contested the position of UMSU vice-president university affairs.
“I am so excited to continue the amazing work that the Women’s Centre has been doing, and support the amazing women on our campus,” said Goulet, who serves as an executive member.
“I want you to remember that I am here to support and advocate for you.”
The Women’s Centre is one of seven UMSU community groups with a designated space on campus.
The centre provides a safe space for women on campus to work, share and learn together, according to UMSU’s website. The centre also advocates on behalf of women at the university and provides products and services.
The Women’s Centre is located in 190 Helen Glass at the Fort Garry campus.
