International Women’s Day: March 8th, 2018
It’s that time of year when we observe International Women’s Day (IWD), and we are thrilled to join Canadians and nations around the world in celebrating women and their contributions towards making the world a better place.
Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2018 is “#MyFeminism”, recognizing feminism as an important and powerful global movement which has resulted in the advancement of women. #MyFeminism is inspired by the people who have contributed to shaping Canada into a nation of freedom and equality. From the Canadian women of the 1800s who fought for the right to vote (known as the suffragists) to the advocates and activists of today who continue to work towards positive change, International Women’s Day honours these women.
International Women’s Year Conference – Mexico City 1975. Source: Washington State University
It was in 1975 that the United Nations recognized International Women’s Year. The UN later adopted a resolution designating March 8th as International Women’s Day. Today, International Women’s Day is observed around the globe, and in many countries is a national holiday. As a global day of recognition of women’s achievements and contributions, this day supports an important call to action: advancing women’s rights and gender equality.
Doreen and Susan Braverman
The Flag Shop has a strong heritage of leadership by women, which began in 1975 – fittingly in the same year as International Women’s Year. That was when Doreen Braverman founded the first-ever, full-service flag store in the world. Then, in 2010, Susan Braverman stepped in, purchasing the company and becoming President. Over the years, our business has brought countless opportunities, for women to grow and thrive in many ways, including social advancement, economic livelihood, innovation and creativity.
We love International Women’s because it reminds us where we come from, and provides opportunities to honour the invaluable contributions of our woman business owners of the franchise team: Le Flag Shop Montreal Owner-Manager, Ginette Bazergul; The Flag Shop Toronto Partners, Lilly and Ladan Siahpoosh; The Flag Shop Nova Scotia Owner, Debbie Hartlen; The Flag Shop Edmonton Owner, Phyllis Bright; and The Flag Shop Saskatoon Owner, Judy Denham. Of course, we can’t forget the women of the franchise management team and The Flag Shop Vancouver Head Office, who bring value to the table every day, contributing to The Flag Shop’s lasting legacy.
Source: InternationalWomen’sDay.com
Join us as we celebrate International Women’s Day, to honour and advocate women, and to help create a brighter future for the daughters of all nations! On March 8th, add your own voice to all those who are calling out inequality, by using the hashtag #MyFeminism.
We know of many great events happening across Canada, and beyond! For information, or to attend an event in your community, check out a sampling at the links below:
Ottawa – Edmonton
Ottawa: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 – Edmonton: Saturday, March 24, 2018
This event challenges people from all walks of life to take 10,000 steps (7K walk), which represents the distance many women and girls in developing countries travel every day to reach the basic necessities of life, such as water.
Vancouver
IWD Celebration at Bandidas Taqueria
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – As a thriving women-owned business, Bandidas Taqueria, a restaurant on Vancouver’s Commercial Drive, will donate 100% of its profits to local organizations which serve women. It will also launch an art show highlighting feminist themes, which will run until April 21st, 2018.
Victoria
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – This lunch event will include inspiring keynote speakers Tracy Porteous, Executive Director of Ending Violence BC, and JR LaRose, of CFL and BC Lions fame, and the “Be More Than a Bystander” spokesman, to address the cause of ending violence against women.
Calgary
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Calling all change makers to unite and celebrate women who are making their mark, as they tell their stories, and speak their truths in the name of equality, justice and peace.
IWD Changing Lives Celebration
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Event highlights include a spectacular fashion show by “Making Changes”, a community of women helping women and teenage girls through life’s transitions, by providing them with skills and resources to support their pursuit of meaningful work. Enjoy musical performances by local artists.
Lethbridge
IWD Film Screening of The Breadwinner
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Attend an all-ages screening of the movie “The Breadwinner”, about an 11-year old girl, named Parvana, living under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Following the unjust arrest of her father, she cuts off her hair and dresses in boy’s clothing to help support her family. Parvana discovers a whole new world of freedom and danger.
Saskatoon
IWD Film Screening of Driving with Selvi
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Watch this epic film, a 2016 Yorkton Film Festival winner, about a former child bride named Selvi. Escaping a violent marriage, she becomes South India’s first female taxi driver. In this years-long journey, Selvi defies expectations and creates a new life of hope.
Winnipeg
IWD West-Central Women’s Resource Centre Celebration
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Join the Women’s Resource Centre for cake and share messages with woman around the globe on their message board, and share your stories of inspirational women, to be displayed at the centre.
Toronto
IWD Empowerment is an Inside Job
Sunday, March 4, 2018 – International Women’s Day is about unity, reflection, advocacy and action. This group continues to grow from strength to strength. Join the celebration including exhibitors, speakers and door prizes.
Montreal – Toronto – Kingston
IWD Pins for Progress – It Takes Balls to Be a Woman
Thursday, March 8, 2018 – Bowling, anyone? Join an event organized by Bangladeshi-Canadian women, who envision a world in which all girls and women, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, income level, or social status, are nurtured and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Happy International Women’s Day!