March 8th, 2020
March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global day of recognition celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and raising awareness of the work left to be done regarding gender equality in Canada and around the world.
IWD is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards achieving gender equality and celebrate acts of courage and determination by individuals who have played an extraordinary role in advancing gender equality in their communities. The beginnings of IWD trace back to the early twentieth century, emerging from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflecting a growing call for women to participate equally in society.
The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. That day, more than one million women and men showed their support by participating in public events. In the years that followed, other countries began to observe and celebrate this day.
The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women’s Year and began celebrating IWD on March 8, later adopting a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day.
Today, International Women’s Day, a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action, is celebrated in countries around the world.
Highlighting the Achievements of Women in the WRDSB
Young Women Building Their Future in the Trades
More than 950 eager young women and their parents packed into the Bingemans Conference Centre in April of 2019 for the sold-out Build a Dream career expo. The event aimed to help introduce female students of all ages to a broader array of career options than they may have otherwise considered, with a special focus on the trades.
Award Recognizes WRDSB Superintendent’s Contribution and Dedication to Education
Associate Director Lila Read’s decades of dedication and commitment to student success have not gone unnoticed. The Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association (OPSOA) last year presented her with the Distinguished Leadership Award. The award, presented annually, recognizes an outstanding member of OPSOA who has demonstrated extraordinary ability and leadership in the field of public education across the province, and in their local school system.
Award Recognizes Forest Heights Student’s Work Opening Minds Through Art
Art is opening minds and bringing generations together in Kitchener, thanks to the dedication and passion of students, teachers and facilitators. The efforts of Lillian Hyatt, a Grade 9 Forest Heights Collegiate Institute student, in particular, have garnered special attention. At the 22nd Annual Kitchener Youth Action Council Awards, Hyatt won the Intergenerational Award for demonstrating a commitment to the belief that generations can and should be united for her work with the Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program at Trinity Village Care Centre.
Federal Minister responds to student call for gender equality
When Favour Arisekola-Ojo chose to write the Honourable Maryam Monsef a letter, she didn’t think she would get a reply. She was doing her assignment, a persuasive writing exercise, about the lack of representation of women in sports. The Minister for Women and Gender Equality seemed like the right person to send the letter to. The response she got was more than she bargained for.
Join the conversation on social media
Join the conversation on social media and tell us about your family members, colleagues, friends, teachers, principals, educators and community leaders who are helping advance gender equality using the hashtag #BecauseOfYou.
