Better the Balance Better the World
International Women’s Day (IWD) comes around every year on March 8th. IWD is also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, and is a day to recognize women’s achievements throughout history. This day is set aside to honour contributions of political, social, economic, and cultural impact by women. The 2019 IWD theme is #BalanceforBetter, spotlighting the importance of gender balance around the globe.
What Does Gender Balance Look Like?
The time is now, more than ever, to make a collective effort towards gender balance, whether it’s in executive teams, government leadership, wealth, sports teams, or media.[1] Gender balance is not a women’s issue. Everyone has the power, the ability and the responsibility to make a difference, in terms of impacting gender balance for the better. By working together towards greater gender equality, girls growing up in today’s world will have the best chances to reach their fullest potential.

Doreen and Susan Braverman
The Flag Shop – Leadership by Women
In 1975, Doreen Braverman founded The Flag Shop, starting the first full-service flag store in the world. Talk about tipping the #BalanceforBetter, nearly 45 years ago! Then, in 2010, Susan Braverman, Doreen’s daughter, bought the company and became President. It’s the clear vision and strong leadership of these women in the earliest days of the company, that have contributed to its lasting legacy, which is the thriving business we know today.
What’s New to IWD This Year, You Ask?[2]
It’s the 2019 IWD Worldwide Photo Contest! Supported by the 2019 IWD campaign’s exclusive image partner, EyeEm, this contest promotes photography as a powerful way to celebrate the strength and diversity of women. For all the details, to enter, or to see some amazing imagery capturing the beauty of women, please visit: https://bit.ly/2G9cliZ.
International Women’s Day Events Across Canada
There are countless events and celebrations happening all over the world. Though we wish we could list them all, here’s a peek at few of we found taking place across Canada, with convenient links to more details:
Vancouver, BC
Friday, March 8th, 2019
Equality Breakfast
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2XuzqSE
Friday, March 8th, 2019
Recovery Blues: Live at the Metro
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Tgsdab
Friday, March 8th, 2019
International Women’s Day Fundraiser & Art Show at Bandidas Taqueria
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2SLFdzu
To March 10th, 2019
Vancouver International Women in Film Festival – To March 10th
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2ThCov8
Victoria, BC
Friday, March 8th, 2019
Bridges for Women 9th Annual International Women’s Day Luncheon
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2tPTEIY
Nanaimo, BC
Friday, March 8th, 2019
BCFMWU Women’s Committee Meet and Greet
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2UlLIdV
Calgary, AB
Friday, March 8th, 2019
Getting to Equal
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2EMp3Cp
Friday, March 8th, 2019
Women Changing Lives
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2XDW9Mb
Moose Jaw, SK
International Women Society of Moose Jaw Potluck Supper
Thursday, March 7th, 2019
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Um2byK
Winnipeg, MB
International Women’s Day by Rising Strong
Friday, March 8th, 2019
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2H0JsWO
Toronto, ON
Thursday, March 7th, 2019
IWD Panel: Tech Leaders in Male-Dominated Industries
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2HdL26J
Friday, March 8th, 2019
The Resilience Gala presented by Azeeza for Women
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2tQ2Mgz
Bellville ON
Thursday, March 7th, 2019
Quinte International Women’s Day
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2VvAPX6
London, ON
Thursday, March 7th, 2019
Women in Communications & Technology
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2VzlRzB
Windsor, ON
Friday, March 8th, 2019
IWD Concert for Hope
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Hh79ZV
Montreal, QC
Thursday, March 7th, 2019
CIBPA Montreal Women’s Day Cocktails
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2NJKfeV
Halifax, NS
Friday, March 8th, 2019
Girls EmPOWERment Conference
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2BZM7LV
Friday, March 8th, 2019
4th Annual NSFL International Women’s Day Breakfast
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2IQV14r
Whitehorse, YT
Friday, March 8th, 2019
International Women’s Day: Female Entrepreneurs Share their Best Advice
For information, please visit: https://bit.ly/2GX5kSN

Custom flag made by The Flag Shop Nova Scotia for the Government House
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Sources:
[1] https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
[2] https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Photography