International Women’s Day to focus on gender gap

According to the World Economic Forum, the gender gap will not close entirely until 2186.

That’s another 169 years from now.

This is why, in an effort to keep women from waiting more than a century, this International Women’s Day (IWD) the IWD campaign is calling on all citizens of the world to unite under the theme #BeBoldForChange.

On March 8, individuals around the world are being called on to work towards a more inclusive, gender-equal world.

International Women’s Day was first honoured, in a handful of countries, in 1911. More than a century later, issues of gender equality have still not been fully resolved. The U.S.’s recent election put a spotlight on this fact and the Women’s Marches that took place around the world in early 2017 prove that we are still a long way from a gender equal world.

Taking part in IWD in some way, whether even just through social media, can help change this reality, according to the IWD campaign.

“Around the world, IWD can be an important catalyst and vehicle for driving greater change for women and moving closer to gender parity,” states the IWD website.

Here at home, Status of Women Canada has designated Equality Matters as the theme of this year’s IWD.

“Gender #EqualityMatters because stereotypes hold us all back,” tweeted Status of Women Canada.

Events are being held across the country in major cities to celebrate the women of our community and call attention to the issues that effect them.

The military is also doing its part to honour IWD and events and activities are planned at different bases throughout Canada. The Edmonton MFRC is hosting a Women’s Day Conference. CFB Trenton is hosting a base-wide IWD event. The MFRC Valcartier is also holding a host of events to celebrate the women in their community.

Follow the Canadian Military Family Magazine as we profile the outstanding women of our military community over the next week in honour of International Women’s Day.