Making our voices heard

Since 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) has delivered a call to action for gender parity across the globe. Now celebrated annually on March 8, IWD is also a time to stand up and recognize the vital contributions women make in every aspect of society.

COVID-19 has brought the economic and domestic struggles women face into sharp focus, while at the same time underscoring the essential value of their roles. This is abundantly clear in the workforce, where primarily female frontline workers face increasingly unsafe working conditions with limited access to paid sick leave and child care.

In response to the pandemic burden on women, the UN’s 2021 IWD theme is: “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” Highlighting the necessity of women’s voices in a post-pandemic world, this year’s theme calls on women leaders to stand up and be a part of important decision-making processes. Having women at the table will be vital as we create new policies and programs during our COVID-19 recovery.

Despite the struggles of the past year, the pandemic has given us the opportunity to create real change. On March 8, we must come together (even if it’s virtually) to continue our global fight for women’s equality and our full participation within society.

How to celebrate IWD 2021:

• Email your local MP demanding pay equity for women;
• Create social media posts that promote women’s issues using the hashtags
  #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2021 #ChoosetoChallenge;
• Attend socially distanced/virtual IWD event/marches in your local community;
• Support organizations and female politicians that advance women’s causes.