Celebrating Women
March is International Women’s History Month and there are so many phenomenal women, past and present, to celebrate their achievements and inspire girls to become the next generation of leaders.
The theme recognizes “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” – and there really aren’t enough days or commemorations to do justice to the contributions of brave female trailblazers, here and beyond our borders, who haven’t settled for the status quo.
International Women’s Day is this month too – March 8th – and the theme for 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion,” a reminder that we can all do our part in advocating for inclusivity, and share the stories of amazing role models who dare and have dared throughout history.
Actually, research suggests that being exposed to positive role models is empowering, and that’s especially good for young girls. So applaud their voices, talents, courage and achievements. Glass ceilings have shattered and playing fields continue to be levelled in everything from gender equality to education, politics, sports, climate, science and entertainment.
From environmentalist Greta Thunberg and human rights activist Malaia Yousafzai to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, lawyer Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, poet Maya Angelou, activist/actor Yara Shahidi, and actor/author Jane Fonda and so many more – all fearless females who’ve left indelible marks on their respective fields. Their collective efforts have broken down barriers and reduced the gender gap.
Kudos to Canadian change-makers and pioneers, including education advocate Grace Annie Lockhart, civil rights crusader Viola Desmond, suffragist Nellie McClung, naval commander Josée Kurtz, astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar, women’s movement champion Doris Anderson, Olympic hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser, and renowned authors and activists Naomi Klein and Margaret Atwood.
Let’s not forget Cecile Eustace Smith, the first Canadian woman to represent Canada in an Olympic Games, Bertha Wison who was the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, and Dr. Emily Stowe, first Canadian woman physician to practice in Canada. Activist Mary Two-Axe Earley challenged the law discriminating against First Nations women.
The list is infinite! So many amazing women out there to admire and learn more about. Be inspired by Viola Desmond, a successful black businesswoman who launched the civil rights movement in Canada and challenged racial discrimination, in particular in 1946 when she refused to move from the Whites-only section in a Nova Scotia theatre. She was the first Canadian woman to be depicted on a Canadian banknote in 2016 and was named a National Historic Person by the Canadian government in 2018.
Let’s celebrate Grace Annie Lockhart’s academic achievement in earning a bachelor’s degree in science and English literature in 1875, which empowered other women to seek equal access to education.
Renowned author Margaret Atwood has been a leading feminist, environmental activist and inspirational leader advocating for women and important issues surrounding gender and identity, politics, climate change and religion.
Be inspired by their courage to create a more inclusive and equal world for all. Be inspired to champion inequities faced by indigenous women, women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and racialized, newcomer and migrant women.
Women continue to face challenges around the world, and the stories of famous females and the often-unseen women need to be told – all year long if gender equity is going to be the norm. And that will be a history we can celebrate!
