International Women’s Day - March 8, 2011

Celebrating 100 years of women’s achievements, March 8, 2011 is the centenary International Women’s Day. What does that really mean? Women have been contributing to family, community and global achievements for more than 100 years surely. Women are caregivers, peacemakers, financiers, artists, leaders, negotiators, managers, homemakers, chefs, coaches, personal shoppers, etc – and that’s just in their daily life!

There are many women in our community who have come to this Region from elsewhere on the globe and are making their mark. They have combined making Canada and Waterloo Region their home and making a difference in community for others. This is no small feat. I know several women who came to Canada with their children but without their spouse. They have to learn our education, health care and employment systems and in some cases, our language, just to function as we all believe we should – with opportunity, respect, food, shelter and safety. These women don’t stop there, however. Instead, they see the need others are experiencing and take action to help.

I think it’s important to mark women’s achievements and this day gives us a global perspective on who, what, where and why. 100 years – that is amazing! Now how about we give the women in our community credit for all they do EVERY DAY? I would like to take this opportunity to thank my mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunts, and girlfriends. I wouldn’t be who I am without their achievements, both big and small. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to make my mark too. I can’t wait to see what my daughter achieves!

Nancy Bird
Director, Community Development