Emprein-tivité

Institution: University of Ottawa

CSWB plan priority / Ottawa's 2023-2026 Term of Council priority: Discrimination, marginalization and racism

Project Term: Fall 2024 and Winter 2025

Course Code: SOC 3530

Professor(s): Jean-François Chapman

Group Member(s): Lovena Norissaint, Noelle Divakou, Tatiana Jean Jacques, Sallysha Vital, Robert Emmanuel Toupane

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Objective(s): Our project revolves around four major goals that are dear to us:

- Raising awareness and mobilizing

Using everyday objects to convey powerful messages. By transforming shoes into platforms to raise awareness, we want to encourage people to think about injustices such as discrimination and hatred and denounce them. These shoes and their powerful messages will become tools to open dialogues and raise awareness.

- Promoting inclusion and discussion

We want to create spaces where everyone can express themselves, exchange ideas, and co-create. Our collaborative workshops allow participants, both young and old, to feel heard and involved. These exchanges will strengthen ties between different communities and foster a sense of belonging.

- Educating and inspiring young people

Since young people are our future, we want to give them the tools to understand the importance of values such as fairness, respect, and social justice. Through partnerships with schools, our workshops encourage students to think and act while also developing their creativity and critical thinking skills.

- Building a sustainable and inspiring project

We are motivated to see Emprein-tivité endure and grow. By collaborating with local schools, businesses, and organizations, we aim to build a solid foundation so that our idea will continue to have an impact. In addition, why not export this model to other cities or countries?

These objectives are not just words: they reflect our desire to see concrete changes in society. Together, with Emprein-tivité, we hope to “literally” walk toward a more inclusive, fairer, and more humane world.

Potential for Impact: Emprein-tivité is not just a fashion project, it is a heartfelt effort. Using shoes emblazoned with strong messages, we aim to echo values of inclusion, respect, and tolerance in every step we take. They become a powerful tool for denouncing hatred and promoting peace.

On the social front, we create a space where everyone can express themselves. Through collaborative workshops, participants young and old can design messages that are close to their hearts. These moments are not only creative, but also profoundly human: they bring together diverse voices to reflect and act against injustice.

In schools, this initiative takes on an educational aspect. It broaches discussions on sensitive subjects such as discrimination and prejudice. By involving young people in the design process, we can help them foster their creativity while raising their awareness of social realities. These exchanges are opportunities to shape a more tolerant and committed generation.

From a cultural perspective, we want our creations to become an integral part of Ottawa’s landscape. Worn proudly, they send a clear message: inclusion is the norm, not the exception. We hope they will open up dialogues between people from all walks of life and strengthen ties between communities.

Finally, our collaborations with schools, local businesses, and sports teams show that their impact goes far beyond the object itself. Together, we can build a society that has a place for everyone.

This project is just the beginning. Our dream is for Emprein-tivité to inspire other cities and countries so that a simple step can become an act of change. Because when it comes down to it, every action counts, and every voice deserves to be heard.