Braiding Diversity into Justice returning in 2023

A program developed by the Waterloo Region Committee of the Ontario Justice Education Network is back for its sixth year, and this time, it's in person.

The last few years of Braiding Diversity into Justice have been on Zoom due to pandemic restrictions, but in 2023, the event will be hosted at the Kitchener courthouse Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

One of the speakers involved with the event, local family lawyer Shuchanna Swaby, explains what Braiding Diversity into Justice is all about.

“We host 40 racialized and/or marginalized young women, cis and trans, between the ages of 16 and 20, currently or recently enrolled in Waterloo Region area schools. The goal of the program is to inspire students who are interested in careers in law but have additional obstacles on the path to those careers.”

The event will feature keynote speaker Honourable Justice Maria N. Sirivar, and plenty of other guests. They will put together a day that includes a photo booth where the young women can try on Barrister's robes and take photos, a Q&A with Justice Sirivar, interactive panel chats, a tour of the courthouse with Special Constables, “Judicial Jeopardy” with prizes and a lunch hosted by local law firms.

Swaby told CityNews 570 that the most important thing is to expose young, marginalized women, to various careers and opportunities within the legal system.

“We can empower them to see themselves reflected within the justice system and inspire them to a choose a career in law. This is important because the justice system will evolve and diversify and be strengthened by the diverse perspectives of those who join the field.”

She added that if they can't see themselves or perhaps a loved one in law, it may not be a career they consider.

“This type of program gives them that exposure. The hope is that they might say they can do it too.”