Women, including trans women, gender diverse folks, and cis women of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences, need to be celebrated and recognized every day for their contributions, accomplishments, and unpaid physical and mental labour. International Women’s Day is a global day to leverage collective efforts through conversation, campaigns, and challenging systems.
There are numerous achievements of women within our College who are making a difference, taking care of our community, leading our course, and lifting us up in difficult times. We thank you! Take a moment today to recognize, thank, and appreciate the women around us who are essential members of our community and make an impact every day.
Yes, today is a day of celebration. It is also a day to increase awareness and take action on barriers, discrimination, and violence that continues to occur within our own backyard and around the world. Missing and murdered Indigenous women around Canada, gender-based violence, gender pay gap, inadequate treatment of Black women in health care systems, and trans women’s inability to access sport are just a few examples of barriers and violence women face day to day. I encourage you to seek opportunities to learn about current inequities and how you can exercise your privilege, whatever it may be.
I’d like to encourage open dialogue with an open heart and mind. My door is open and welcoming to conversation, perspectives, and learning.
To all the women around me and in our community, I see you, I support you, I believe you, I appreciate you.
Cheers,
Carmen
Carmen Law (She/Her/Hers)
Director, Belonging, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Belonging, People, and Culture