ELORA – March 8 marks International Women’s Day, which is dedicated to empowering women and celebrating the many achievements of women across the globe and throughout time.
It’s also an opportunity to reflect on gender-based and systemic issues that exist today.
More women are being celebrated for their social, financial, cultural and political achievements, but there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality.
On March 9, The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS), alongside the Collaborative Women of Wellington County (CWOW), hosted the second annual International Women’s Day lunch at the GrandWay Events Centre.
More than 100 women – entrepreneurs, artists, social workers, engineers, doctors, mothers, academics, among many more – were in attendance.
The theme was being bold, and the event was hosted by Sally Litchfield, CEO of the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
In her opening remarks, Litchfield focused on the importance of self-care.
“Not enough people talk about self-care honestly and the fact that it is hard,” Litchfield said.
“Self-care equals self-responsibility not selfishness,” Litchfield told the audience.
“There isn’t this magical point where you’ve checked all the boxes and you’re good. I feel like we’re just on this journey together of adding boxes to our list that we can check off and ignoring the ones we can’t.”
The speakers that followed over the next hour were Lynne Bard, Kristel Manes, Heather Matthews and Dominique Wild. The atmosphere in the room was lively and the guests buzzed enthusiastically between speakers.
“How many businesses within not just Elora, but Fergus are female led?” Wild remarked to the group from the podium.
“This is one of the only places I’ve ever lived that has so many female owners and managers – to me that is absolutely amazing.
“We always say women wear so many different hats, but I think we should actually call them crowns.”
As the event drew to an end, Litchfield shared with the Advertiser her advice for any women aspiring to become leaders in their community.
“Find your people. Get involved with the network,” she said.
“Lean on your people because they have been here for you and are going through it with you.
“This community is very supportive and happy to help each other, and it is as simple as asking.”
