Collingwood, ON – The Town of Collingwood will honour this year’s International Women’s Day (March 8th) with a series of special initiatives supporting the day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
The activities begin March 3rd with two community exhibits. The Collingwood Museum is excited to announce the return of the Women in Local History Project, a sidewalk exhibit on display between March 3rd and March 20th along Hurontario Street. The exhibit features twelve unique signs celebrating business owners, war-workers, medical professionals, artists, and sports heroes. The signs will also be on display indoors at the Collingwood Museum for the month of March. This project is produced by the Collingwood Museum in partnership with the Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum.
Taking place March 3rd to 12th, the Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area is celebrating phenomenal women-led businesses that are an integral part of the fabric of Collingwood’s wonderful downtown core. Woman Behind the Business Posters will be hung in companies throughout the downtown, featuring pictures of the amazing female entrepreneurs behind the businesses and information about the why behind their ventures. This is a novel way to find out about our community’s amazing women leaders. All posters will also be available online linked to the Collingwood Downtown website for you to read at your leisure as you discover the depth of the female entrepreneurial spirit in our community.
The traditional Flag Raising & Proclamation Ceremony will take place on March 7th at 4:30 p.m. at the Collingwood Public Library. In recognition of inequities that women continue to face, including the disproportionate violence suffered by women, the Town of Collingwood has once again partnered on this observance with My Friend’s House, Collingwood’s safe haven for abused women and their children.
Last but certainly not least, the Town of Collingwood is hosting a Spectacular Social Soiree on Wednesday, March 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the Simcoe Street Theatre. This year we’re exploring the diverse ways in which women express themselves and, in doing so, build change. Through service, advocacy, sport, language, and the arts, women are forging equality in extraordinary ways. The evening will feature a keynote address and performance from Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul, Jully Black, along with messages from diverse Canadian changemakers, and a fabulous showcase of music, dance, and poetry from inspiring local artists. Top the night off with a social hour with complimentary culinary delights from Low Down Cocktail & Snack Bar. Cash bar also on site. Tickets are $25 per person (tax included) and go on sale Friday, February 17th at www.collingwood.ca/IWD or by calling 705-445-1030.
Since 2019, the Town of Collingwood has been recognizing International Women’s Day annually on March 8th because we believe in gender equity and seek to improve the lives of all women and girls (trans and cis), two spirit, and gender diverse peoples through cultural, legal, economic, and social change.
About the 2023 International Women’s Day Theme #EmbraceEquity:
For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity – Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA. And it’s critical to understand the difference between equity and equality. Read more about this here.
Each one of us can actively support and embrace equity within our own sphere of influence. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity. Forging gender equity isn’t limited to women solely fighting the good fight. Allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women. Everyone everywhere can play a part. Collectively, we can all forge positive change.
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