Speech tonight | Body Shop co-founder humbled by invitation

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By ALEXANDRA DAVIS
davis.alexandra@dailygleaner.com

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Speak Up

Margot Franssen says she can't help but be intimidated by the prospect of following in the footsteps of Muriel McQueen Fergusson.

Franssen, co-founder of The Body Shop of Canada, will be the keynote speaker at the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation's gala dinner tonight at the Delta Fredericton Hotel.

The dinner is part of November's Family Violence Prevention Month, and this year's theme is called "following in Muriel's footsteps: driving social change.''

Franssen said that's a feat she certainly aspires to, but it's a lot to live up to.

"When I learned about Muriel's legacy and all that she did, I couldn't help but quake in my boots a little," Franssen said.

"I feel humbled because she was truly an amazing person and a terrific role model. She was a real bushwhacker and a trailblazer."

McQueen Fergusson was Fredericton's first female city councillor and deputy mayor. She became Speaker of the Senate in 1974, and in 1985 she lent her name to the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation, which aims to eradicate family violence.

Franssen is no stranger to the issue of family violence. She has worked with the Canadian Women's Foundation since 1984, and she has helped raise $1.3 million through The Body Shop of Canada's STOP Violence Against Women campaign.

Franssen was recognized for effectively addressing an issue of vital concern to the world in 1995 when she received the United Nations' Grand Award.

She has gone on to work with various women's rights groups since selling The Body Shop of Canada in 2004.

Therese Murray, executive director of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation, said she's thrilled that Franssen will be speaking at this year's gala dinner.

"We've had our eye on her to be our speaker for a number of years," Murray said. "She has a quality message, and I think she'll really be able to speak in a way that reaches the individual, the CEO and certainly our foundation."

During her speech tonight, Franssen said she'll be touching on a number of points. One of those is violence against women on a global scale.

She said she also plans to discuss programs and services that aren't available to women, but could make a huge difference, especially for those who are struggling with poverty.

"Women need to be taught about all of their assets," she said. "It would cost $2,500 to teach a woman how to run a business, get her started and mentor her for five years. Wouldn't that be a better option than welfare?"

Franssen said she hopes that when people listen to her speech, they'll be inspired to apply her words to their own lives.

"I hope people realize that this is a global issue that affects each and every one of us," she said. "I want people to do more than just hear me; I want them to incorporate these ideas into their own value systems."

Tonight's event will begin with a reception at 6:30 at the Delta Fredericton Hotel.