Celebrating Local Women
The publishing of Celebrating Women magazine alongside our International Women’s Day celebration always provides Family Transition Place (FTP) with the privilege and opportunity to reflect on the remarkable women who surround us. The women who support us, who support other women and their families, who volunteer their time and expertise—women who fiercely believe in our Mission and Vision and who deeply recognize the importance of celebrating women—not just on International Women’s Day—but every day.
While there is simply no shortage of extraordinary women to honour and celebrate in this community, we are please to share the perspectives and experiences of a select few. Our 2024 Celebrating Women magazine featured a number of the answers to a series of reflective questions. The full responses can be found below.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
“I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar” Helen Reddy’s anthem represents the fundamental need to recognize International Women’s Day. The coming together of a collective community to honour the economic, cultural, educational and political achievements by women speaks to the importance of awareness, equality, gender and social issues. Although we honour the contributions of women, the journey is ongoing. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
I would celebrate the community of volunteers. Although we are quick to laud the huge and necessary accomplishments by leaders, it is vital to celebrate every single woman who lends a supportive hand in helping another woman move ahead. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I am proud of building a business that helps to strengthen a community. A strong, safe, and committed community is essential to support, nurture and foster a caring way of life. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
N/A - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
Everything is figureoutable; be yourself and be strong. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and stand up for yourself!
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
Celebrating IWD reinforces the message of gender equality and inspires ongoing efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable society. It serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of women’s rights and the work that still remains. By commemorating this day, we honor the past, present, and future contributions of women, fostering an environment of respect, appreciation, and empowerment for all. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
If I were to choose a group of women to celebrate on International Women’s Day, it would be the women educators in St. Lucia, including my mother, who was a teacher herself. Growing up on the island of St. Lucia, I witnessed firsthand the dedication and care these women invested in nurturing the next generation. Their commitment went beyond academic teaching; they focused on the holistic well-being of their students. This approach played a pivotal role in shaping the successes of many, including myself. These women’s sincere efforts in fostering good values have left an indelible mark on a whole generation, making them truly deserving of recognition and celebration. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I am most proud of my three daughters. Despite their youth, they have already made remarkable achievements in both academics and the arts. Their creativity, and positivity are a source of great pride for me. Watching them grow, learn, and excel in their respective passions, while maintaining their unique personalities, fills me with immense joy and hope for the future. Their achievements are a testament to the values of hard work, passion, and self-confidence, and they continue to inspire me every day. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
The woman who inspires me the most is my mother, Julia. Her exceptional talents, profound wisdom, and humble nature have always guided and influenced me. She has been a pillar of strength in our family, demonstrating resilience, compassion, and integrity in every aspect of her life. Her ability to balance family, career, and community involvement with grace and commitment is something that I deeply admire and strive to emulate in my own life. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
To the young women of today, I would emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing their own greatness. Do not wait until later in life to appreciate your worth and embrace your unique qualities. Strive for balance in your self-perception; acknowledge your flaws but also celebrate your strengths and achievements. As women, we often magnify our imperfections and downplay our power and successes. Embracing both your flaws and fabulousness equally is key to a fulfilling and empowered life.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for everyone to pause and recognize the achievements and contributions of women everywhere. It intentionally draws your attention to the notion that gender equity is still something that the world is striving for. Celebrating IWD ensures that this important conversation continues and that when progress is made here, progress is made for everyone. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
At one point in my life I would have believed that I could choose one woman above all women. The reality is that in every stage and phase of my life, I have become aware of the nuances of being a woman. I celebrate women who triumph over self-doubt; women who belong to themselves; women who struggle and find strength through perseverance; women who stand up for other women; women who rise after great loss, disappointment and adversity; women who have dared to be seen and to challenge the status quo; women who sacrificed for the benefit of others; women who find freedom in expressing who they are and discovering who they can be. It’s a beautiful thing because seeing these things in other women encourages me to find those same things in myself. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I am most proud of the network of women in my life. At every stage in my life I have had sisters (biological and chosen) who have shaped who I am today. By their presence, their actions and examples, their truths and their insights, their encouragement and even their correction has made me who I am today. My network of women inspires me to be my authentic and highest self in everything that I do. They celebrate with me. They reprimand and coach me when I need it. They updraft my successes and anchor me when I’m losing my way. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
No. I don’t have a particular woman that inspires me. See question 2. At this moment, so many faces and female characters both real and fiction come to mind. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
I would want young women today to know that they are more than what they see in the mirror. That there is still so much self-discovery in the years ahead of them. I would encourage them to be brave and to dream big. I would hope that they stay inspired and that they give themselves permission to change their mind and to change direction when needed. And lastly, to tell them that they are always enough and that they are stronger than they think they are.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
Colonization has brought with it damage to cultures, oppressing our women’s voices. We the Indigenous women are slowly taking our knowledge back and sharing it for the good of all, as was our traditional role as matriarchs of this land. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
I would celebrate Cindy Blackstock PhD, member of the Gitxsan First Nation, ED of First Nation Child and Family Caring Society, recipient of numerous awards, champion of Jordan’s Principle, and part of taking the Canadian Government to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal who then ordered Canada to end discrimination against Indigenous Children 2016. Why? Because she is an outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights for women, children, families, intergenerational trauma, sixties scoop survivors, and reconciliation. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
My Indigenous ancestor women because I am here because they were strong resilient women. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
Cindy Blackstock - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
I would encourage young women to seek and help with any injustice. Seek out others who also see the injustices. Our youth have the ability to recognize injustices. Let the wisdom and courage of your ancestors live through you.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
IWD is important to raise awareness regarding the progress made towards achieving gender equality and also to highlight the work that still needs to be done. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
I would like to celebrate all the high-ranking women within my organization who had paved the path for the women after them. At one time women were not permitted to be police officers, and we now have female officers holding the highest police ranks. An incredible amount of work went into that gender equality progression. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I am proud of any woman who was ever told no, or made to think they weren’t qualified to do a job because of their gender, who found a way to prove them wrong. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
I am fortunate to have a mother that has always inspired, motivated and believed in me. My mother took pride in being able to balance the important roles of being a wife, mother, and career woman. I have tried to follow in her footsteps and believe a woman can be great at any role or roles she chooses are important to her. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
Nothing is impossible if it is important enough to you.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
In my youth I was oblivious to the gendered role differences that exist between men and women. However, as I get older there are daily experiences of how women are treated differently than men. For example, in medicine it is not uncommon for female doctors to be referred to by their first name but in the same breath male doctors will be referred to as “Dr. X.” We need to be comfortable in identifying when these differences occur and empower woman to respectfully challenge these gender differences. Celebrating International Women’s Day reminds me that we are equals and can be celebrated for our strengths, our differences, and our successes. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
Mothers—the hardest part of my job is being a mother. It is my own mother that I look up to and celebrate for her perseverance, intelligence, and strength. She raised three daughters all while working full time. She taught us all that we could be independent women and be anything that we wanted to be. She supports me in the good times and the bad times – the bad ones being the hardest as a mother. Once I became a mother my gratitude for my own mother increased exponentially. Trying to raise children to be smart, hardworking and good members of society is no easy task. I’m thankful that I had a village of women that were part of my life and helped me become the person I am today. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
Making easy decisions is simple. But change is hard. Both in my personal and professional life I’ve chosen to make changes that carried risks. I’m not afraid of making decisions that could carry risk. Being aware of the risk that the decision carries and predicting possible outcomes helps with the decision making. We need to learn to be comfortable with change and risk. By embracing change, we can find success and learn how to improve our lives and that of our community. I’m proud that I’ve learned when and how to make hard decisions and surround myself with people that are willing to support those decisions. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
Dr. Roberta Bondar has always been a woman that I’ve looked up to. Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, she was a household name. Dr. Bondar was the first Canadian woman and first neurologist in space and as a teenager I recall thinking that if she could do it then I could, too. Years later, just after I had my 3rd child, I had the honour of meeting Dr. Bondar after she was speaking at a conference. I was standing at the side of the auditorium rocking a fussy baby. When she finished her presentation, she walked off the stage and straight toward me. She commended me on attending a medical conference with such a young child and acknowledged the struggle of motherhood and being a working professional. We shared that we were both from Sault Ste. Marie. I am thankful that a photographer caught a photo of us in that brief exchange and will forever remember meeting Dr. Bondar at this important time in my life. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
Life can be, and often is hard—embrace it. Don’t shy away from hard things, we can do hard things. They make us stronger and more resilient to other challenges. Mistakes are learning opportunities, if we never make mistakes then we will never learn, progress, or succeed.
Invest in your relationships—ask for help and be willing to accept it when offered. Social connections will help you through the hard times. They will help you when you’ve made a mistake. A good mentor will help you find your strengths and support you though your mistakes.
Stop then slow down—life moves fast. Enjoy the things in life that make you happy and the memories that you make. Forget about physical things and focus on experiences. These are what will carry you through the hard times.