International Women’s Day was first recognized on February 28, 1909 in the United States after women in New York went on strike because of their poor working conditions in clothing factories. After the First World War, more European countries also started celebrating this date, each country having a different weekend for the celebration because of the amount of help and independence women had when the men had gone abroad for war. About 66 years after the first date of the announcement, the United Nations started celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th of each year. The UN states that this is “a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regards to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.” Although it is not a global commemoration, it is recognized by countries across Europe, in North and South America and in some African countries.
In Canada, we have different events to celebrate throughout the first week on March. Here are some events in southern Ontario:
- Toronto Womxn in Data Science Conference – March 2-3, 2020 (Bram and Bluma Appel Salon)
- This is a two-day conference that celebrates women in different fields, such as the scientific field, working for the government and being entrepreneurs. There will be guest speakers showcasing their career journeys with others. Snacks, breakfast and lunch will be provided for anyone attending and the cost is $200 for students.
- Toronto International Women’s Day Celebration and Women Achiever Awards 2020 – March 7, 2020 (Toronto City Hall)
- This event will have workshops, awards for females who have excelled in their job fields, and a dance show. This event is free and will be outdoors.
- SHEfights 3: #EachForEqual – March 7, 2020 (Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, North York)
- This event focuses on women and girls who are trained in muay thai, and other sports, because they want athletic equality for all. This day will be full of competitions, focusing on young women in sports. For a general admission ticket, it will be $40, but if you want a VIP ticket, it will cost $80.
- Soroptimist Cambridge IWD Walk – March 7, 2020 (Downtown Galt)
- This will be a walk to promote better conditions for women worldwide, and wanting a better future for the young girls currently growing up. The free walk will start at noon in downtown Galt and will continue until reaching the Cambridge Centre for Arts. The guest speaker will be a Wilfrid Laurier Criminology professor, Dr. Erin Dej, who specializes in homelessness and young women.
- March on Main 2020 – March 6, 2020 (Milton Town Hall)
- The event will start at 10am and will finish around Main Street and is promoting equality and social justice for women and girls by focusing on education and networking amongst women. The march will start at Town Hall where there will be guest speakers and a flag raising to commemorate the date.
- Nova Vita Celebrates International Women’s Day 2020 – March 5, 2020 (Brantford Golf and Country Club)
- This event is hosted by Nova Vita, an organization that focuses on women and children escaping abuse in Brantford/Brant. There will be guest speakers from the First Nations community, food, performances and prizes. Tickets are being sold for $80, and proceeds will go towards Nova Vita and the women and girls they help.
- International Women’s Day Celebration – March 4, 2020 (NUVO Network)
- This event focuses on women in the entrepreneurial realm, including mothers. There will be a panel of female speakers who hold high positions within their respective companies. There will also be a musical performance, a raffle and different foods from different countries. The ticket will cost $65 and includes dinner and a glass of wine.
- International Women’s Day Celebration – March 8, 2020 (Art Gallery of Burlington)
- This day will include guest speakers, with different backgrounds who will speak and also do workshops with guests. One of the speakers will be a Burlington resident, Julie Cole. There will be refreshments, charcuterie boards and new art will be displayed for anyone who wants to buy them. Tickets will cost $40.
- International’s Women’s Day Social and “Fundue” – March 8, 2020 (Freewheel Cycle)
- This social gathering will focus on women in the cycling community, and will serve as a social event for them to network. There will be refreshments, fondue, and different shopping experiences. This is a free event, but the organizers ask to register prior to the date.
- International Women’s Day Bootcamp – March 8, 2020 (Habitual Fitness)
- This event will focus on trying to boost confidence and strength within girls and women by having female trainers come in to share some of their tips and tricks. The cost is $10 and all proceeds go towards a women’s shelter.
- International Women’s Day Empowerment Event – March 8, 2020 (Dunwin Dr)
- This event is hosted by Project RISE, which strives to celebrate everyone around them, regardkess of disabilities or ethnicity. The event will have female coaches to host workout sessions, and there will also be guest speakers. This is a free event that will have refreshments, but it is indicated that only females are able to attend.