Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women’s Day.
The first ‘Women’s Day’ was set in New York in February 1909. The next year the International Women's Conference suggested it be recognized globally on March 8th. ‘International Women’s Day’ slowly caught on, country by country, until adopted by the United Nations in 1975. Now International Women’s Day is a day of celebration and activism recognizing our social, economic, cultural and political achievements.
Each year, I like to commemorate the efforts of the women before me who made it possible for me to vote and have a career.
For the last few years, I’ve joined hundreds of women in Ottawa at a local event that brings women together to connect, learn and celebrate. This year marks the 10th year for the Women in Business Conference. I’m looking forward to hearing eight very different keynote speakers celebrate, motivate, and inspire the crowd. Among this year’s presenters are Hana Abaza, Head of Marketing for local tech giant Shopify; and I’m particularly excited to hear (and hopefully meet!) Ms. Manjit Manhas of Dragon’s Den fame.
It’s been a tradition at the conference to give away one or more COACH handbags. This year - with it being the 10-year anniversary – it makes sense to give away 10. I’m proud to be a sponsor of this giveaway, which gives me the opportunity to step on stage to present one of the winners with a lovely new purse.
This event appeals to me in another way: it supports the charity, Suits Me. Suits Me is an initiative of the Women’s Mental Health Program at The Royal that provides women, including clients of The Royal, with professional clothing and personal development opportunities free of charge so they can make a good impression and feel confident in transitioning to work or the volunteer sector.
Conference attendees are invited to bring lightly used professional clothing (in good condition) to donate at the event. And, a portion of the proceeds of the ticket sales will be given to Suits Me as well.
For me, celebrating International Women’s Day with a group of outstanding Ottawa area women, hearing the stories of notable women who inspire me, and supporting more women to find their place and their purpose in work and volunteering, is the perfect way to spend March 8th.
How do you mark Women’s Day? Let me know with a comment through our Contact Us page or email me directly.