It is with great pleasure that we introduce the WOMEN IN CANADIAN CRIMINAL DEFENCE association and are proud to announce our very own Miranda Hlady as the Vice President.
WICCD is Canada’s only national organization solely for women, those who identify as female and non-binary colleagues, working in criminal defense.
It is an association whose time has come. WICCD for the first time brings together women in criminal defense across Canada to form an advocacy group that is comprised entirely of women, and only for women.
WICCD is a national umbrella organization that brings together women in criminal defense across Canada who may already belong to women’s committees, caucuses or sub-groups of defense associations or who have yet to join any other group. WICCD aims to build bridges and consolidate gains, working collaboratively with our women, trans and non-binary colleagues.
WICCD does not intend to compete with any existing organization. Rather, it seeks to complement existing supports and services, by providing a unique forum of robust supports, informed by national and regional perspectives including those of our newest, young, racialized women members, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community and everyone who identifies as female or non-binary.
WICCD provides a safe and inclusive space for us all to share our experiences, support and celebrate one another. It aims to advance the interests of women in the defense bar and to address the current crisis of women leaving the bar in unprecedented numbers. WICCD is mindful of gender-based discrimination our members routinely face, including implicit biases, and will advocate for solutions to ensure genuine equality for women in criminal defense on a systemic level. It will employ an intersectional lens in its advocacy on all issues of importance to its members.
Membership in WICCD is free.
Criminal defense lawyers and law students interested in criminal law are encouraged to apply for membership. Some membership criteria apply, including verification of the applicant’s identity, solely to ensure membership is restricted to eligible members.
WICCD’s initiatives, including specific services, programs or events, will be determined by its membership. Members will have access to WICCD’s inclusive and collegial listserv.
WICCD formally launches on January 1st, 2022.
The founding members of the inaugural Executive are:
President: Sid Freeman
Vice-President: Amanda Ross
Vice-President: Miranda Hlady
Treasurer: Cassandra DeMelo
Secretary: Anita Szigeti
Assistant Secretary: Maya Shukairy
Recorder: Shaunna Kelly
Litigation Director: Maija Martin
Membership Committee Co-chairs:
Hamna Anwar
Maya Kotob
To express an interest in joining us, or to apply for membership, contact WICCD at:
Wiccd.womendefencelawyerscanada@gmail.com
We are excited about the future and look forward to working with you all!