CFUW Orillia celebrates International Women's Day (4 photos)

NEWS RELEASE
CFUW ORILLIA
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International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration dedicated to honouring women and their achievements. It has its roots in the earlier years of the previous century when women began to rally publicly and struggle for equal rights.

In some countries, demonstrations changed the status quo and resulted in successes such as providing women with the right to vote. Today, across the world, IWD is celebrated in a variety of ways, sometimes as a day of action or resistance or one of gratitude and love, and is a reminder that there are yet many gaps in gender equality to be addressed and remedied.

In 1975, the United Nations began celebrating IWD on March 8 and Canada has upheld that tradition.

CFUW Orillia, a women’s organization committed to improving the status of women and girls worldwide, advancing human rights, justice and peace, pursuing knowledge, and promoting education, celebrates IWD every year by organizing and participating in various activities.

This year, members of the group chose to gather at Tudhope Park and hike along the trails, and were treated to nearly perfect, sunny spring weather. For most, it was the first time being together, in-person, in nearly two years.

In the evening, they attended, via Zoom, a planned celebration of women, and participated in activities that were both fun and educational. Many of the women wore purple, the symbolic colour of IWD, signifying justice and dignity.

The group learned about prominent Canadian women who have achieved success in politics, education, science, and the arts and who are positive role models for girls and women of all ages.

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