Toilets and Transformation: Mr. Toilet Film Screening & Expert Talks

Join us at the Halifax Central Library on February 8 at 2:30 PM for a film screening of "Mr. Toilet: The World's #2 Man." This intriguing documentary dives into the life of Jack Sim, aka Mr. Toilet, a man on a mission to revolutionize global sanitation. The film combines humor and earnest activism while shedding light on a critical yet often overlooked issue affecting billions worldwide.

Come and celebrate International Development Week and explore how the need for accessible and safe sanitation affects communities around the world. Learn more about the experience of three organization that through their work highlight the importance of safe, accessible sanitation needs from around the world. Help 2 Overcome founder and retired plumber Ben John joins us to speak about how he has delivered plumbing and sanitation to communities in Sierra Leone. Ben’s work in Sierra Leone resonates deeply with the themes of the film, and he brings a wealth of practical knowledge and firsthand experience of his international efforts. Susan Namulindwa joins us to speak about Girls Run Period, a not-for-profit based in Ontario which promotes girls' health, education and wellbeing by encouraging physical opportunities in Africa, which align with the 2030 United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. And Rabi Adamu Musa and Navy Brar join us to speak about the Mcrissar Foundation, a Nigerian nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 2020. The Mcrissar Foundation focuses on leadership developmetn among women and girls, healthcare and menstrual hygiene, the creation of safe spaces for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and legal aid, among others, with their primary focus being on the girl child.

This event is more than just a film screening; it's a platform for learning, discussion, and inspiration, bridging local expertise with global challenges. Join us for an eye-opening afternoon, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and discover how individuals and communities can contribute to a cleaner, healthier world. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you there and joining together in this crucial conversation.

Schedule:

2:30: Film Screening

3:30: Talk with panelists

4:00: Q&A

4:15: Closing, refreshments and networking

About The Film

What do you get when you cross an eccentric self-made man with a load of crap? Jack Sim. To a stranger, he’s a guy obsessed with toilets, but to those who know him, he’s “Mr. Toilet,” a crusader for global sanitation. Born in the Singapore slums, Jack Sim knows firsthand the agonies of not having a proper loo. Now he’s dedicating his life to a crisis no one dares talk about: Shit. Not having a place “to go” isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a problem that impacts 2.4 billion people worldwide. Jack’s kids describe him as a 12-year old trapped in a 60-year old’s body. He’s full of jokes and it can be hard to take him seriously. But, he uses humor as his weapon to fight an uphill battle against bathroom taboos.  He founded the World Toilet Organization and spent the last 13 years lobbying 193 countries to raise awareness for proper sanitation. He even successfully lobbied the United Nations to create World Toilet Day – the first international day of celebration for the toilet. Now he is plunged into his biggest challenge yet when asked to secure 6 million toilets for the “Clean India” initiative. But with few resources and no help from the government, his epic project and reputation are in jeopardy.

Speakers

Ben John, a former plumber from Halifax, underwent a transformative journey from his upbringing in rural apartheid South Africa to his current mission of revolutionizing sanitation in counties around the world. Witnessing the dire lack of safety and dignity faced by his family and countless others, particularly women, during nightly treks to inadequate facilities, Ben was compelled to act. He founded Help 2 Overcome (H2O), channeling his plumbing expertise to provide vital sanitation infrastructure to communities worldwide. Through initiatives like building flushable toilets and composting systems, Ben aims to combat disease, empower young women, and promote education. His dedication stems from a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and a commitment to fostering sustainable, self-sufficient communities. Ben's vision extends beyond mere infrastructure – it's about fostering hope and opportunity for generations to come.

Susan Namulindwa is a seasoned, results-oriented executive, with a twenty-five years plus track record of management, mobilizing partners, teams and stakeholders to solve problems and achieve results for stakeholders. These experiences were acquired through business ownership, leadership opportunities and exchanges in the public, private and non-governmental sectors, with specific focus on community outreach, client services delivery, and business transformation. Susan has significant experience developing and presenting strategic advice on organizational change to various committees/governance bodies and to senior leaders on important transformational initiatives.

She has demonstrated experience in change leadership including tolerance for leading through ambiguity, adaptability and negotiating win-win solutions. She has developed a reputation and know-how in building team resiliency, leading consultations among diverse stakeholders with reference to agenda setting, delivering on new change, and project management.

Rabi Adamu Musa, Founder/CEO of Mcrissar Foundation for Women and Girls Nigeria, is a seasoned professional with diverse experience in law, development, and governance. As a former Special Assistant to the Governor of Kaduna State and a two-time candidate for the Kaduna State parliament, she champions women's meaningful participation in politics and advocates for victims of gender-based violence. With a background in civil law and a Barrister at Law certificate, Rabi is skilled in legal advisory roles and program management, having worked with Riders for Health International Abuja. Born in 1985 in Kaduna State, Nigeria, she holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Jos and received the Katherine Flemming International Development Award in 2021 for her community contributions. Passionate about fostering peaceful coexistence and providing free menstrual products to high school girls, Rabi is a tireless advocate for social change.

Navy Brar, Vice President of Mcrissar Foundation is a remarkable individual from Edmonton, Canada, whose journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Telecommunication from India and has pursued further academic excellence with a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Alberta. Beyond her outstanding academic achievements, Navy has carved a niche for herself in the field of transit, having worked as a Transit Operator where she expertly maneuvered 60-feet buses and trains. Currently, she dedicates her talents full-time to Transit Safety with The City of Edmonton, Alberta, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry and serving as a true inspiration for women everywhere. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Navy is a beacon of advocacy. She is deeply passionate about using her platform to promote body positivity, female empowerment, and address the critical issue of period poverty. Her dedication to these causes is exemplified by her recent achievement as the Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide 2023 winner as Air Element , where she not only showcased her grace and elegance but also magnified her commitment to meaningful change. Navy's journey is a unique blend of academic excellence, professional prowess, and a fervent dedication to social causes.