International Women’s Day
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Updated: February 2022
International Women’s Day – March 8
(revised March 2022)
March 8 is International Women’s Day. The first International Women’s Day was recognized in Denmark in 1911 and labour movements for women’s equal participation were also taking place in North America. In 1975, the United Nations recognized the first International Women’s Day in recognition and celebration of women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Every year March 8 continues to amplify gender equality, advocacy, and the work remaining to be done.
Get to know more Canadian women and self-identifying women who make the world more bias-free and equitable. Have a Happy International Women’s Day!
Resources
Carrie Best Nova Scotian, civil rights activist against anti-Black racism, Member of the Order of Canada. https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/civil-rights-activist-carrie-best
Alberta Billy Wei Wai Kai elder, activist for reconciliation, challenger to The United Church of Canada to apologize for their treatment of First Nations people. https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/reconciliation-and-indigenous-justice/apologies
Selam Debs anti-racism and anti-oppression educator, Black Ethiopian queer woman, social justice advocate, yoga studio owner. https://www.selamdebs.com/
Setsuko Thurlow survivor of the 1945 atomic bomb in Hiroshima, social worker, campaigner for the elimination of nuclear weapons, Member of the Order of Canada. https://www.thevowfromhiroshima.com/
Video Resources
Cindy Blackstock Gitxsan activist for Indigenous child welfare, Executive Director of First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFaE0AXNoVM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-xAloD75dQ
Afua Cooper writer on Black Canadian history, professor of sociology at Dalhousie University, Poet Laureate of Halifax. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKTKA8NoJCY
Jamie Lee Hamilton, Aiyyana Maracle, Kimberly Nixon. Canadian transgender women activists to know about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbKXfme1Wkc
Rose Lipszyc holocaust survivor, holocaust educator, Member of the Order of Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwCg3f00TEc
Jean Lumb Chinese Canadian community activist, citizenship judge, shaper of Canadian immigration law for Chinese Canadians. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmDXStbQ-RE
Chantal Petitclerc Para-Olympian, Senator, advocate for people with disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj4RUxzJjyg
Break the Bias
IWD 2022 campaign theme: #BreakTheBias
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Staff Support
KIM UYEDE-KAI
COMMUNITIES OF FAITH AND PASTORAL RELATIONS MINISTER; Intercultural Diversity, Anti-Racism and Right Relations Minister
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6173
Direct Line: 647-956-7345
Email: KUyedeKai@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council
Location: Teleworks from her home in Toronto
Role: Kim encourages and connects communities of faith in their work and supports Indigenous ministries in their relationship with the region and promotes and supports racial justice.
Contact Kim about: Anti-Racism; Conflict Resolution; Covenants; Governance; Intercultural Ministry; Right Relations; Vision and Mission