International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th, with the aim of recognizing the achievements and contributions of women around the world. The day also serves as a call to action for gender equality and women’s rights. In Canada, this day is especially significant as it highlights the struggles and successes of women throughout Canadian history.
The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 is “Every Woman Counts.” It’s a reminder that all women, from all ages and walks of life, has a place in every aspect of Canadian society, including in the economic, social and democratic spheres.
In years past, TNO has celebrated International Women’s Day with all the male staff cooking a lovely breakfast for all at TNO the male staff of our – The Neighbourhood Organization is one of the many organizations in Canada that recognizes the importance of International Women’s Day.
TNO recognizes International Women’s Day by various departments hosting events and activities that highlight the achievements of women and promote gender equality. In past years, TNO has organized events such as women’s networking breakfasts, panel discussions, and workshops on various topics related to women’s empowerment. These events provide a platform for women to share their experiences, connect with other women, and learn about issues that affect them.
Women have played a crucial role in shaping Canadian society and have fought for important rights and freedoms, such as the right to vote and the right to equal pay.
To recognize the contributions of women in Canadian history, here is a brief timeline of significant events and milestones:
• 1916: Manitoba becomes the first province to grant women the right to vote in provincial elections.
• 1917: Women in Ontario and British Columbia gain the right to vote in provincial elections.
• 1921: Agnes Macphail becomes the first woman elected to the House of Commons.
• 1960: The Canadian Bill of Rights is enacted, which includes provisions for gender equality.
• 1967: The Royal Commission on the Status of Women is established to examine the status of women in Canada.
• 1982: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is enacted, which includes a provision for gender equality.
• 1991: Kim Campbell becomes the first woman Prime Minister of Canada.
• 1995: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is adopted, which outlines a global agenda for gender equality.
• 2015: The government of Canada implements a gender-balanced cabinet for the first time in Canadian history.
This year, Health Access Thorncliffe Park (HATP) celebrated International Women’s Day in the community in collaboration with the Coalition of Women in Leadership with a Mother’s Day Out celebration. Over 100 community members, including seniors, youth and volunteers attended.
We started with the land acknowledgement in both English and French and then with opening remarks and greetings from myself (HATP) and Shakhlo Sharipova (Coalition for Women in Leadership) followed by our MPP Stephanie Bowman.
We recognized and shared inspiring stories from community members that encouraged and motivated other newcomer women. We were inspired by success and inspiring stories from Shakhlo, Mona, Seema, Riffat and myself.
The event brought together community members, community leaders from Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park and was filled with fun activities, performances, dances, music, raffle draws, cultural food, flowers and lovely cards. The participants shared that it was provided them with an excellent time to meet new women in the community and share and learn from each other.
