YW Calgary has announced Monica Lewinsky will serve as the keynote speaker at their sixth annual YWHISPER Fundraising Gala.
According to the organization, the former White House intern who had a sexual relationship with then-president Bill Clinton in 1998, will speak about her fight to change the online culture where “humiliation and public shaming are becoming the norm.”
“Having experienced nearly two decades of online harassment, Ms. Lewinsky is well versed in the effects online bullying and outright attacks can have on an individual’s reputation as well as their emotional and mental well-being.”
Lewinsky’s clandestine affair exploded onto the front pages in 1998 and nearly ended the presidency of Clinton. While Clinton famously said under oath that that he did not have sex with her, minute and revealing details of the affair were the subject of a congressional investigation and the grist for the online news and gossip mill for years afterwards.
“We are thrilled to have Monica Lewinsky as our keynote speaker,” YW Calgary CEO Sue Tomney said.
“Monica is powerful advocate against bullying and online harassment after experiencing 20 years of cyber bullying. Monica’s story, her resiliency and work with victims reflects the strength we see with the women we support.”
According to YW Calgary, funds raised at the gala will support programs and services which help empower women and their families to lead stronger, healthier lives in Calgary.
The event will take place at the Telus Convention Centre on Nov. 22.
With files from Global News