Alum Karin Wells, LLB ’74, has dedicated her career to amplifying women's voices and stories. Inducted into the Common Law Honour Society in 2011, Wells is renowned for her work as a CBC Radio documentary maker, earning the Canadian Association of Journalists documentary award three times. Her compelling narratives, always centring on social justice issues and told with wry humour, have resonated globally and received recognition from the United Nations.
In her book The Abortion Caravan: When Women Shut Down Government in the Battle for the Right to Choose, Wells chronicles a pivotal moment in Canadian feminist history. This work was a finalist for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing and won the Ontario Historical Society's Alison Prentice Award. The book highlights the 1970 journey of seventeen angry young women from Vancouver to Ottawa, culminating in a protest that demanded legislative change for reproductive rights. Wells' meticulous research and engaging storytelling shed light on this significant yet often overlooked event.
Continuing her mission to celebrate women's contributions, Wells authored More Than a Footnote: Canadian Women You Should Know. This collection profiles women who, despite societal barriers, made remarkable impacts in various fields. From Mina Benson Hubbard, who completed her late husband's expedition in Labrador, to Dr. Vera Peters, who revolutionized cancer treatment, Wells brings these inspiring stories to the forefront.
This year, Wells is releasing her third book, Women Who Woke Up the Law: Inside the Cases That Changed Women's Rights in Canada, on International Women's Day, March 8, 2025. This highly anticipated work delves into the stories of women whose legal battles have significantly advanced women's rights in Canada.
For fellow alumni and Canadians alike, this book is not only an engaging read but also an inspiring testament to the profound impact of legal advocacy and reform. Wells' commitment to storytelling and justice underscores the critical role we all play in shaping a more equitable society.