GUELPH – Each year on March 8 International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Across the globe, women’s accomplishments are honoured and women’s rights are amplified.
This year’s theme is #InspireInclusion.
“In Canada, we have much to celebrate, but a long way to go to achieve full equality for all women,” state Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis (WIC) officials in a press release.
In Guelph, International Women’s Day will be full of events from WIC this year.
March and gathering
WIC, HIV/AIDS Resources & Community Health (ARCH), the Women & HIV/AIDS Initiative (WHAI), the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), the YMCA of 3 Rivers, Zonta Guelph and the Secret 3K have partnered on a lunchtime event celebrating women and femme-identifying folks.
Participants can meet at Veterans Memorial Bridge at 11:45am (by the Market Parkade) for speakers and a short march back to 10C Shared Space (42 Carden St) from 12-1pm for hot beverages, food and fun activities.
“We’re encouraging people to wear pink or purple clothing to show support for women and femme folks if they wish,” WIC officials state.
Extra signs and posters will be available for the march, but homemade signs are welcome too.
Keynote address
There will then be a keynote address and panel discussion from 7:30 to 9pm at the Guelph Youth Music Centre (75 Cardigan St.)
“Embracing the Future After Intimate-Partner Abuse – An Inspirational Keynote Address on Resilience and Finding Fortitude” will feature Layne of TrainWithLayne.ca and auctionista.ca.
Layne will offer “an honest, raw and emotional share of their lived experience of their most daunting life challenge,” WIC officials state.
This free event is sponsored by SV Law, and tickets are available on Eventbrite.
For more information follow @gwwic on social media or visit gwwomenincrisis.org/events.
