For Immediate Release
March 8, 2021
YW CALGARY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH BOLD CONVERSATIONS
(Calgary, AB) — Today on International Women’s Day—and every day—YW Calgary celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, both across the globe and locally. As the largest and longest-serving women’s organization in the city, YW Calgary has witnessed first-hand the strength and resiliency of thousands of women who have accessed our services over the years.
The theme of International Women’s Day this year is ‘Choose to Challenge’, an invitation to forge a gender-equal world and call out inequality. YW Calgary has seen from the pandemic’s frontline just how much work remains for women to achieve gender-equality. From layoffs and lack of childcare, to increased unpaid work and the rise of domestic violence, women have been most deeply impacted by the health and economic crisis. Even pre-pandemic, Alberta women were far from reaching gender-equality—to the tune of earning 68 cents on every dollar made by Alberta men! We must end the systemic undervaluing of women’s contributions to the economy. We can and must do better. Everyone’s future depends on it.
Through YW Calgary’s everyday work, we’re taking action in a big way to shift the needle towards gender-equality. Our programs and services like childcare, housing and domestic violence supports, newcomer language instruction and counselling all assist in removing the barriers that prevent women from thriving. We’re also using our voice and expertise to spark conversations that inspire solutions. Our annual YWHISPER Fundraising Gala will focus on the role of women and gender-diverse people in our economic recovery, unpacking the challenges they face and what opportunities lie ahead for systemic change.
“We are committed to shifting the she-cession with an inclusive recovery,” says Sue Tomney, CEO of YW Calgary. “By challenging the status quo and choosing to be bold in our actions and discussions, we empower women and gender-diverse people to thrive.”
The YWHISPER Gala, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will take place virtually on March 11, 2021. This year’s event brings an exciting new partnership with Canadian publication The Walrus, an award-winning, long-form journalism magazine. This collaboration taps into The Walrus’ roster of cultural influence across Canada, bringing in keynote speakers such as Sally Armstrong, Ann Hui, Sheila North and Armine Yalnizyan.
Virtual networking, a raffle draw and many poignant moments will make this year’s YWHISPER unmissable. The support of event attendees plays an important role in raising awareness and critical funds for vulnerable women and families that YW Calgary supports each year. Limited tickets are still available at ywcalgary.ca/ywhisper
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About YW Calgary:
Voted one of Maclean’s Top 100 Charities of 2020, YW Calgary supports nearly 6,000 Calgary women and their families each year. YW focuses on enhancing women’s safety and wellbeing while advocating for equity. Together with our donors, government and other social agencies, we provide crisis and transitional shelter, supported housing, counselling, parenting supports, childcare, language and employment programs that help move women from crisis to stability.
Women-centred. Brighter-future focused.
ywcalgary.ca
For information please contact:
Carla Link
Director, Communications and Community Relations, YW Calgary
Cell: 587.228.8663 Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca
