Over the past few weeks, the Walt Disney Company has faced on online uproar over their makeover of Merida, the protagonist of the film Brave. The makeover was in preparation for Merida’s induction to the Magic Kingdom’s Princess Hall of Fame and involved sexualizing the youthful character by making her older, more polished, and giving her a classic come-hither countenance (that kind of looks like it’s thanks to a facelift, if I’m being perfectly honest).

Disney regularly gives the ol’ beautifying treatment to its female characters when it’s time for a new run of merchandise. Last holiday shopping season, for instance, Disney worked with Barneys New York to re-envision its classic characters (Mickey, Minnie, Daffy, Daisy, etc.) as runway models. The companies didn’t just slap some couture on the beloved characters’ gentle, rounded figures, but stretched their bodies out to a model-esque 5’11” stature. The female characters were particularly lengthened and thinned, given legs that were a fraction of the size of (and much more exposed than) their male counterparts’. A few months before that, the company released their Disney Villains Beauty Line, which featured the zaftig Ursula slimmed down to the size of Sleeping Beauty’s supernaturally svelte Maleficent. Apparently even animal/human-hybrid cartoon characters need to be thin to be glamorous, and glamorous to be relevant.

Though we’ve seen Disney ‘work over’ characters before, it felt like a particularly raw deal to watch Merida’s image be subjected to the sexing-up process. Merida won our hearts by being the first Disney Princess to have a story that didn’t focus on romance, but on an adventure that isn’t ultimately about finding a prince. Brave starts with Merida refusing to marry, setting the stage for the focus and driving force of the film: an exploration of Merida’s relationship with her mother, the Queen. After much showcasing of Merida’s strength of character, as well as her skills at archery and horseback riding (on a massive Clydesdale, no less), the film doesn’t give in to Disney tradition and end with a marriage, but with a celebration of the renewed bond between mother and daughter, after Merida saves the day.

Merida won’t be married off, won’t sit around daintily, won’t even let her masses of red curls be symbolically restrained by a fancy headdress. She takes up space, makes herself heard and refuses to allow tradition to force her into marriage before she’s ready or interested. In a genre where every other female protagonist is partnered (or hinted to be on the verge of partnering) with a man by the end of her story, Merida’s persistent and triumphant singledom is important.

Given Merida’s insistence on living life in her full, complicated, unkempt, wilful glory, it seems antithetical for her to have to be aged, polished and sexualized before she can be crowned as an official Disney Princess. It seems like punishment.

In creating an older, sexualized version of Merida, Disney isn’t just presenting a different image of Merida but filling in the blanks of what Merida’s future looks like. Disney is telling us that despite her story being so different from all the other princesses, she ends up just like Belle, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty: made over according to traditional beauty standards, her bow and arrow taken away so she can stand pretty with the other ladies.

When images of this new Merida hit the Internet, criticism flowed. The woman who created Merida and co-directed Brave, Brenda Chapman, offered her thoughts in her local newspaper: “It’s horrible! Merida was created to break that mold — to give young girls a better, stronger role model, a more attainable role model, something of substance, not just a pretty face that waits around for romance.”

I agree with Ms. Chapman wholeheartedly; this isn’t just a harmless makeover. It’s a message to girls and boys that what ultimately matters about a woman — even an animated one who doesn’t give a whit about being attractive to men — is her sex appeal (and there’s only one definition of what said appeal looks like).

Ms. Chapman and I aren’t the only ones who feel this way. Public outcry over Merida’s makeover was swift and loud, and Disney backed off quickly. Of course, Disney didn’t go so far as to admit that their sexing up of a role model for girls — one who is popular specifically because her story isn’t centred on her being appealing to men — was problematic. Rather, they pulled the image from their Princesses website, said that there were various renderings of Merida floating about and that there were no plans to move forward with the, ahem, “fancified depictions of Merida,” as Catherine Connors, editor in chief of Disney Interactive Family, put it in a blog post.

Connors’ post also defended Disney by suggesting that it’s actually the makeover’s critics who are focused too much on Merida’s appearance, reminding us that the character “is defined by far more important things than what she wears.” In other words, Disney’s compulsion to vamp up every one of its leading ladies (including giving its lone black Princess, Tiana, a nose-job before her induction into the Hall of Fame) is innocuous, and what’s actually diminishing the Princesses is . . . our questioning of that compulsion? Forgive me if I’m incredulous, but I take issue with the suggestion that critical thinking is the problem here.

While Disney might not grasp why their actions are problematic (or they fully grasp it but don’t care to change) and issue befuddling defences via blog posts, this is ultimately a victory — and not just for Merida’s image, but for her story. Thanks to public outcry, Merida is a character who not only escaped a marriage she didn’t want and wasn’t ready for, but also escaped a Disney image overhaul (for now, at least). What other Disney Princess can claim to possess such strength of character that they’re in control of their lives both onscreen and in the marketing department? As far as her accomplishments go, Merida’s remaining unmarried at the end of Brave might pale in comparison to the fact that she’s keeping her original look for the Princess Hall of Fame.

There is no greater example today that brings attention to the need for this day than the attempted murder of Malala Yousafzai, the courageous 14 year old, who, despite threats to her young life, stood for the right to education; not just for herself but for all girls in her country. Such courage is truly rare and today as she struggles for her life, women in Pakistan are discovering their own bravery to also stand where she stood in solidarity for girls’ rights.

YWCA Canada stands with all Canadians for the human rights of  girls and young women here at home and around the globe.

Links:

Status of Women Canada - International Day of the Girl

World YWCA - A Girl Child - "Who Will Save Me?"

• National Board President Lynne Kent
• YWCA Toronto Board President Rosemary Moodie
• Megan Demers & Amber Niemeier, two amazing young women from the Board of YWCA Edmondon
• YWCA Hamilton CEO Denise Doyle and Director of Operations, Medora Uppal
• Director of Advocacy, Ann Decter (soon to join us on Thursday)

This year's CSW is jam packed with 4000 women in attendance from every region of the world. Not to be outmatched, the World YWCA is also represented by a strong contingent of women, including young women from various regions around the globe. We meet each morning at 7 am, share our experiences, develop key messages and set out to attend sessions focused on the this year's theme of Empowerwing Rural Women. Our learning has been immense and our world expanded as we listen and share stories, lobby our various government representatives on the agreed conclusions and be inspired by the unstoppable power, sheer tenacity and collective creativity of rural women, who, despite lack of traditional resources, together find the strength to create their own and build communities that respond to their needs right where they live.

As one speaker pointed out, it is at the grass roots where change happens and where we must work to create the change we desire.

What makes Rent frock Repeat a winner off the runway as well as on?  Their commitment to ending violence against women. Throughout the holiday season Rent frock Repeat will be supporting YWCA’s Rose Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls.  Now you can donate to YWCA and look and feel great!  Every time you rent a dress from Rent frock Repeat proceeds will go towards the Rose Campaign.  Rent a dress, donate the rest! Visit RfR online at http://rentfrockrepeat.com and dress up your holidays.

There are many ways to support the Rose Campaign and raise awareness about violence against women and girls.   Visit www.rosecampaign.ca to find simple, easy and meaningful ways for you and your friends to make a difference.

Rent frock Repeat is a proud sponsor of YWCA’s Rose Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

I then returned home for 3 days and next went to Accra, Ghana, where I was a speaker at the opening ceremonies for the ABANTU for Development 5^th Biennial Conference for District Assembly Women (local councillors) from across Ghana, a gathering of over 230 elected women. There as part of our partnership with Canadian Crossroads International, who work in partnership with some of West Africa’s most dynamic and respected women’s rights groups and community economic development organizations, it was a moving experience indeed.  To be among these gracious yet strong and experienced women politicians who taught me so much about the power and potential of women to change local communities is something I shall not soon forget. They shared their successes and challenges of working in a “man’s world” (to be taken quite literally in Ghana), how they learned to hone their skills and the changes they made in their villages and communities. I felt small in their presence yet accepted and embraced as I absorbed their collective essence and strength to stand even in the face of immense opposition to their leadership, simply because they are women.

Ghana has a very male dominated culture, yet these women occupy such important political leadership roles and my admiration for their achievements expanded over the course of the conference. The theme for this year’s gathering was, “More Women in Election 2012” (the Ghanaian national election is set for December 2012). I was happy to share our experiences in Canada, including our work to get more women elected, and the political realities we currently face as we work to achieve our vision and mission for women’s and girls’ equality.

Despite over 25% of female representation at the District Assembly level, there is only 9% representation nationally. Yet I met several women who have already been nominated to run at the national level, others preparing for nominations, and a 25 year old determined to run in 2016. They remain undeterred despite the odds and I found myself wondering how I would feel in the face of a similar reality in Canada. But I grew to realize we occupy the same spirit and zest for the human rights of women and girls, a global quest that dwells within us no matter our location in the world.

There’s so much more I could share with you – including my trip to Elmina Castle, located in the main ports Ghanaian where slaves were held prior to being shipped to the Americas and various other destinations. I visited rain a forest, walked across seven swing bridges and met local politicians, chiefs and community and business leaders.

I also took the opportunity to meet with the YWCA and the YMCA General Secretaries of Ghana. I learned about their current priorities and the type of support they require moving forward. One exciting connection between both movements is ABANTU for Development, who will support the new project on gender mainstreaming within the African YMCAs. This connection will provide the ongoing support, expertise and impetus on the ground from a culturally relevant perspective. They YWCA of Ghana was most excited to make this connection with the hope of working more closely with ABANTU and YWCA Canada on some of their girls’ initiatives.

Overall, it was an experience that will last me a lifetime and has imprinted my memory for years to come. I have made lifelong friends whose commitment and passion for women and human rights drive them in their daily work towards achieving equality and justice.

While away from the office, Corinne and Ann fulfilled the role of Acting CEO respectively. I thank them deeply for their able support and oversight of the National Office to keep us on track over the summer months. At the same time, I learned that Amélie Roy, our Manager of Programs & Projects will be moving to Ottawa to for family reasons. Amélie has been with YWCA Canada for over two years and has worked tirelessly and with deep passion on the various programs and initiatives she managed during this time. Since joining the National Office from Canadian Crossroads International, Amélie’s contribution has been considerable, including liaising with our various funders, translating key documents and publications, and providing key support to both Ann and Corinne in their respective portfolios. In the words of ABANTU when they heard she was moving on to new ventures, “Amélie, you will be missed”. On behalf of our national movement I wish Amélie well in our new role in the Domestic Violence Unit for Ottawa Children’s Aid.

Of course one of the most exciting elements of the experience was our winning the inaugural Mary Robinson Award for Young Women’s Leadership in Human Rights. The award, shared with YWCA of Belize, recognizes YWCA Canada’s GirlSpace™, Power of Being a Girl™ and Young Women’s Leadership Miles programs for girls and young women. It was inspiring to represent our country and I remain deeply proud to have shared this journey with each member of the Canadian delegation

Other highlights included attending the International Women’s Summit where Michelle Bachelet, Under-Secretary-General for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women for the United Nations (UN Women) and long-time champion of women’s rights, was keynote.  Ms. Bachelet addressed  inequality, sexual and reproductive health rights, HIV and violence as the nexus and agenda for women and girls over the next decade during the opening plenary and was incredibly moving.  Other highlights included presentations from renowned human rights activist, Mary Robinson, first woman president of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Abigail Disney, Series Producer, Women, War, Peace ; and Stephen Lewis, HIV/AIDS Human Rights activist.  Plenary sessions addressed claiming safe spaces for women and girls; ending violence against women and securing justice; and demanding accountability and resources for women; and featured workshops and panel presentations from our Canadian delegates.

What I'm left with upon return is that as a united global movement we are unstoppable in our quest to end violence against women and girls, protect women's human and reproductive rights and provide leadership development opportunities for young women to take their rightful place in our movement.

I’d like to I extend a special thank you to our nominees – Jessica Notwell, Keitha McClocklin and Michelle Bullas for standing up and being counted. YWCA Canada is indeed an active movement of dynamic intergenerational women who are courageous and bold, even in disappointment. Thank you for standing despite the outcome. The future of our global movement is bright because of you.

For more details about our experiences at World Council, please visit our blog, Facebook and Twitter feeds for details and discussion about World Council activities and events.

With the support of our partners I am now heading off to Ghana for the 5^th Biennial Conference of District Assemblywomen in Accra.  Organized by our project partners Abantu for Development, which provides training on political issues and election skills to women from across Ghana who are serving in their District Assemblies (the Ghanaian equivalent of municipal level politics) and Canadian Crossroads International, who work in partnership with some of West Africa’s most dynamic and respected women’s rights groups and community economic development organizations, I will be attending a national conference on women’s access and experiences in public service.  I will also seize the opportunity to visit with YWCA Ghana and bring greetings from YWCA Canada, while learning about the programs and services they provide.

It’s been an unbelievable month of international connections for me and the YWCA.  I’m honoured to be able to represent us in this important work and look forward to sharing my experiences with you when I return.

To say that this experience is life changing isn't enough. I have learned and grown so much in the past few days from the amazing women around me. I am in awe of the work being done worldwide and so proud to be a part of this movement that has such a strong focus on empowering women. And empowered me it has! I am inspired to go back to the YWCA of Calgary and use the tools I have been taught and the experiences I have gained from. I hope to keep connected with the national movement as well and keep engaged with the work being done accross Canada. I have met so many women from all over the world; we have networked and plan on sharing ideas and tools to strengthen each other's world Member Associations. The opportunities are really endless and that gives me hope.

Our delegation is diverse in experience which has also been an incredible learning opportunity. As a frontline staff member of the YWCA it is amazing to be a part of this team and learn from their leadership modeling. The young women in our delegation are also very diverse in their involvement at the YWCA and I think we have all learned so much from each other and are now connected through this experience.

I am really grateful for this experience and thankful that the YWCA Canada has the YWLM fund. Needless to say I am already planning my trip to next World Council!

Rachel Shepherd, YWCA Calgary, is a Young Women's Leadership Miles recipient.

The past three days have been the business portion of the YWCA World Council which included many of the Canadian delegates sharing their knowledge in skill-building workshops.

Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to attend the workshop on Solving Governance Issues facilitated by Keitha McClocklin and Michelle Bullas of YWCA Canada.  This workshop was eye opening to the wide variety of governance issues faced by the YWCAs around the world. It emphasized the value of partnerships between Member Associations to share best practices in governance. One issue that hit home for me was the inability of many organizations to attract accounting professionals to their Boards.  These skills are critical in ensuring proper governance. By seeking out young woman starting their careers in accounting, YWCAs can both support the development of young women leaders and have access to the necessary financial skills.

In the afternoon I attended a workshop on YWCA Advocacy in Election Campaigning in which Lauren Hulme from Canada spoke along with delegates from YWCA Australia and YWCA Sierra Leone. I enjoyed the chance to learn about the electoral process of three very different countries.  Australia discussed their compulsory voting system and ways to advocate in an election without spending a lot of money. In Sierra Leone they faced the challenge of empowering women in their first election after 11 years of conflict; a conflict that used rape as a strategic war tactic.  Lauren focused on engaging young women in the electoral process which included discussing a program I am very proud of, Edmonton's One Woman One Vote.

Although I was unable to attend their sessions I want to mention the other Canadian women sharing their experiences during yesterday's meeting. Ambar Aleman and Paula Gomez spoke (in Spanish and English) about their experience partnering with the YWCA of Honduras to help them with their strategic planning and development. Young women's leadership miles recipients Rachel Shepherd and Ashley McLean presented in a workshop discussing models of young women's leadership in the YWCA movement.

Great work, ladies.

Amanda Vella, YWCA Edmonton President, observer at the YWCA World Council.