International Women's Day

It has been a whirlwind of enjoyment since arriving home a little more than two weeks ago. Visits with family and friends have been frequent and pleasure filled. In addition, my jam packed agenda has included curling 13 games at 3 different clubs, a bridge group reunion, business meetings and appointments, home and car maintenance, the Bike Show in Toronto, and events leading up to International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is dedicated to equality for women and has been celebrated worldwide on March 8th for over 100 years. It is recognized by the UN and is a holiday in 27 countries. This year, I spent IWD in the company of five women and girls: two long-time friends, my daughter, and my two granddaughters. It was a perfect day.

In the week leading up to IWD, I was fortunate to be able to attend two fantastic events. The first was Paddy Torsney’s 18th annual International Women’s Day breakfast, where Olympic gold medalist and world champion Becky Kellar spoke about her experience in women’s hockey. The second event was a Dinner Party hosted by Women of Halton Action Movement and Zonta Club of Oakville where Mary Walsh, award winning actress, comedienne and social activist, let it all out in front of a full house.

While improvements have been made, the gender equality gap still exists. In Canada, we have asserted our rights to work, to education, to vote and to hold public office. We have women leading four Canadian provinces, young women are welcomed into and graduate from university, women can work and have a family, and women have real choices. Seeing these improvements, some may think that the battle for equality has been won in Canada. However, gender bias has not gone away. Women still do not receive equal pay and are woefully underrepresented in boardrooms and in politics. The glass ceiling has not yet been shattered. Some patriarchal societies diminish the role of women in important matters. It is incomprehensible to me that these kinds of gender bias are tolerated.

On International Women’s Day we celebrate the achievements of women, while continuing to press for gender equality. We must insist, both around the world and in our own communities.