IWD Events 2011

Here is but a few events marking International Women's Day, March 8th 2011

Say No - 2nd Annual Unite Join Women on the Bridge

On March 8, men and women around the world will unite on bridges near them, calling for peace, in solidarity with women in Afghanistan and elsewhere who are marginalized in their country’s peace processes.

Please visit their main page to participate.

Our City, Our Services, Our Future

International Women's Day in Toronto. IWD has been celebrated for more than 100 years. In Toronto, IWD has traditionally been a rally and march, and is organized by a committee of social justice, labour, health and women's rights activists.

Please join the facebook page to participate.






Massachusetts White Ribbon Day

As part of their Week of Local Proclamations (4th - 11th) MWRD is linking with The United Nations Secretary General’s new campaign UNited to End Violence Against Women, which is celebrated on International Women’s Day, March 8th.

 White Ribbon Alliance Global Dinner Party

(hold) dinner parties on or around International Women’s Day to advocate for maternal and newborn health.

Please visit their website for more information.

Events posted by CUPE can be found here.

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) and Ryerson University Health Promotion present a free screening of No Numbers; Identity beyond measure.

For more information see: http://www.nonumbers.ca/HOME.html

Please post more events in the comments.

York Region IWD Event

click here to download PDF version.

The Sandgate Women's Shelter of York Region is hosting an International Women's Day event on the 9th of March.

Please RSVP Minni at 905-476-8992

Video Message from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

IWD March 8th, 2010

"In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women’s Day, the General Assembly cited two reasons: to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. For the women of the world, the Day’s symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change."
- UN statement on the need for International Women's Day

International Women's Day

Today as you well may know is International Women's Day.

Below is some video shot and edited by my friend Alex Felipe from a rally in Manilla.



You can check out photos from the rally and his full blog post about the rally and the experience of women in the Philippines here.

Reflect, Acknowledge and Take Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

York Region, Ontario – March 8 is International Women's Day and is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. We invite you to celebrate the day with us.We will be featuring guest speakers:

Special Guests:
Superintendent Paul Pederson, York Region Police
Mayor Van Bynen, Newmarket

Other Speakers:
Kelly Brownbill, Aboriginal Women and Health
Timea Eva Nagy, Walk with Me - Human Trafficking
Heather White, Woman Abuse
Michelle Smith, Rape as a Weapon of War
Jane Wedlock, York Region Alliance To End Homelessness - Women, Poverty and Housing
Karen Setter, Canadian Mental Health Association - Women and Mental Health
Barbara Urman, Family Services York Region - Violence in Same-sex Relationships

While we celebrate let us also remember there are still many women who face violence and abuse in their own homes on a daily basis. Woman abuse is a serious health issue and is made worse by the recession. The size and nature of the problem demands that addressing and preventing woman abuse be a high priority in York Region. Come listen to a panel of speakers who will be highlighting the various gaps in services, such as:

• The scope of the problem and the need for Violence Against Women services;
• The lack of adequately funded programs to ensure availability of appropriate services for women who experience abuse, their abusers and their children;
• The need for programs and services for abusers within York Region;
• The need to develop educational programs, information and programs for others who abuse family members, such as those who abuse disabled or elderly women for whom they are a caregiver, and those who engage in honour-based violence;
• The need to ensure the response to abused women is culturally and linguistically appropriate;
• The need for more shelters in York Region for women and children who are fleeing abuse;
• The need for services for children who live in a violent environment;
• And the need for adequate services for women with complex needs who experience abuse, including those with mental health and substance abuse issues.

Moderator by Daniele Zanotti, Executive Director, United Way York Region
Panelists will include:
Radha Bharadwaj, AIDS Committee York Region
Isabel Khalef, Children Aid Society
Kathie Rideout, Family Services York Region
Vivien Green, Victim’s Services York Region
Kirsten Eastwood, Women’s Centre York Region
Lorris Herenda, Yellow Brick House

Event Details:
Reflect Acknowledge and Take Action: Celebrate the Strength of Women on International Women’s Day.
Location: Upper Canada Mall (17600 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4Z1, Centre Court)
Date & Time: March 6th 2010 between 11a.m. - 5p.m.

For more information, please contact:
York Region Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee
Rubaiyat Karim, Tel: 905 415 9719, Cell: 416 902 9469, Fax: 905 415 9706
Email: coordinator.yrvawcc@gmail.com, Website: www.yrvawcc.ca
4261 Highway 7, Suite 203, Unionville, ON L3R 1L5