The ‘Feminist Creator Prize’ aims to support diverse creators promoting critical conversations about gender justice and equality, safety and freedom from harm
Toronto – Sept. 26, 2023 – The Canadian Women’s Foundation has announced its judging panel for the Feminist Creator Prize, which will launch at the premier technology and innovation Elevate Festival on Thursday, September 28. This first of its kind award will recognize diverse feminist creators in Canada who are using digital media to advocate for gender justice.
“Last year, as we reflected on Canada’s rising rates of online hate and abuse against diverse women, girls, and Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people, we knew we needed to do something to boost feminist content creators promoting positive messages of safety and rights,” said Andrea Gunraj, Vice President of Public Engagement at the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
One in five women in Canada experience online harassment. The Coalition for Women in Journalism reports that Canada is the country where the greatest number of women journalists were exposed to organized troll campaigns in 2019. Compared with 2019, hate crime reports have also increased by 72 per cent over the last two years, linked to increasing hate in digital spaces directed at women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and racialized and faith groups.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with these innovative feminist creators in Canada who help us all move from shame, silence, and stigma to action,” said Gunraj. “We hope this award will inspire more people to engage with issues of gender justice and equality.”
Introducing the 2024 Feminist Creator Prize judging panel
Kyne Santos is known around the world for her successful YouTube channel where she creates DIY drag tutorials, and her TikTok channel where she combines her passion for STEM education and the queer community. She teaches audiences to be critical of misleading graphs, and debunks faulty math used for bad intentions. Always learning and always teaching, Kyne continues to remind audiences the importance of education, scientific literacy, and optimism with a little guts and lots of glitter.
Sasha Exeter is a true pioneer in the digital space, using her voice as an influencer to inspire and motivate people through her unique approach to wellness. As a retired elite athlete who left a high-level corporate job to create her own brand, products and podcast, Sasha uses her platform to create positive change and is committed to supporting people’s lives and lifting them up.
Hannah Sung is co-founder of Media Girlfriends, an award-winning production company led by journalists of colour. Previously, she worked at The Globe and Mail, CBC, TVO and MuchMusic, where she was the host of MuchNews and The NewMusic. Hannah also has executive produced several award-winning podcasts at TVO and The Walrus Lab on social issues, politics and current affairs.
The Canadian Women’s Foundation’s Feminist Creator Prize recognizes diverse feminist creator individuals or groups in Canada who excel in using highly accessible digital media to publicly advocate for gender justice, safety, and freedom from harm. Winners are selected annually by a panel of creator judges to receive $5,000, with ongoing opportunities for showcase and celebration. Additional information about the prize is available online at feministcreatorprize.ca.
About the Canadian Women’s Foundation
We are Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality. We advance this by growing support for grassroots feminist action, partnering with communities and organizations to improve conditions, and building diverse leadership and knowledge for sustainable change. Since 1991, our generous donors and supporters have contributed more than $185 million to fund over 3,000 life-transforming programs throughout Canada.
Editor’s Note: When referring to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, please use the full name. Please do not abbreviate or use acronyms.
For further information and to schedule interviews, please contact:
Amanda Cheung
Email amandacheung@brown-cohen.com
Phone (437) 855-2228
Meetu Madahar (she/her)
Email meetu@brown-cohen.com
Phone (416) 817-4668
