International Women’s Day is on Sunday, March 8, 2015. The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than one million women and men showed their support of women by participating in public events.
In 1977 following the long-standing movements for women to participate equally in society, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the United Nations’ lead, Canada chose March 8 as International Women’s Day (IWD). It has grown over the years to become a global day of recognition and celebration. In many countries it is an official holiday and in Canada, more than 40 events will be held this year alone.
As one of the largest and longest serving social service organizations in Calgary, the YWCA of Calgary is part of the IWD Calgary coalition that includes: Mount Royal University, the University of Calgary Women’s Resource Centre, the YMCA Calgary, Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, Discovery House, the Women’s Centre, the Calgary Public Library and Awo Taan Healing Lodge. This group works each year to advocate for women’s rights through events and activities. This year there are two events taking place at a variety of locations:
Public Celebration
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Cardel Place, 11950 Country Village Link N.E
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Featuring special guest speakers, performances and more
Calgary Public Library events
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Country Hills, Saddletowne, Fish Creek and Signal Hill libraries
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Interactive activities, photo booths and more
As a member of the IWD Calgary coalition for the past four years, the YWCA was thrilled to be part of the IWD speaker series, offered to corporate Calgary for the second consecutive year. This year Sharon Storton, Manager, Counselling and Personal Development for the YWCA gave several presentations on the topic of ‘Difficult Conversations’. “I am so pleased to be involved in the IWD speaker series as a representative of International Women’s Day and the YWCA. I have heard from those who I presented to that the IWD speaker series is an important component of empowering women to thrive”, said Sharon.
Please join us on Sunday March 8, 2015 as we celebrate women all over the world and continue the work to empower women and achieve equality for all.
