International Women’s Day celebrates Island advocates
On International Women's Day, March 8, 2020, Islanders are reminded of the outstanding contributions of Island women, and women the world over, and those who are advancing gender equality.
“Prince Edward Island is a diverse place, a home to women from many ethnicities, cultural groups, sexual orientations and abilities. This diversity is part of our strength and prosperity. I believe in women lifting each other up, creating welcoming and supportive spaces for women’s voices and promoting the legal, health, social and economic equality of women.”
- Natalie Jameson, Minister responsible for the Status of Women
This year's theme, Because of You, celebrates activists, advocates and other change makers across generations past and present, who are advancing gender equality and the rights of women.
Islanders are encouraged to use the hashtag #BecauseOfYou throughout social media platforms to name, honour and celebrate women in their lives and communities.
"In the 15 years since I immigrated to PEI, the Island I now call home, I have witnessed a lot of change. This year’s theme gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the women near and far who have shaped us and inspire us to continue the tradition of strong Island women. These are women who extend the hand of friendship across cultures and encourage us to aspire to create a rich legacy – a legacy where we build inclusive and vibrant communities, where women feel valued and respected, and where future generations can say ‘Because of you,’” said Debbie Langston, chairperson of the Prince Edward Island Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
A celebration will take place in Charlottetown on Sunday, March 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church Hall at 220 Richmond Street. The event is organized and hosted by network of organizations that support and support women’s rights and advance gender equality. People will be able to participate in singing, music and movement, and hear speakers reflecting on their diverse experiences as women. Refreshments provided and admission is free. All ages and genders welcome.
For more information, visit: Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
Media contact:
Leanne Ritchie
Interministerial Women's Secretariat
902 314-0134
lpritchie@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder
The beginnings of International Women’s Day trace back to the early twentieth century, emerging from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflecting a growing movement for women to participate equally in society.
The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. That day, more than one million people showed their support by participating in public events. In the years that followed, other countries began to observe and celebrate this day.
The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women’s Year and began celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 of that year.
Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world – in many countries, it is a national holiday. It has grown to become a global day of recognition of women’s achievements and a call to action to support women’s rights and advance gender equality.