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 that support us, that support other women and their families, who volunteer their time and expertise—women that 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 pleased to share the perspectives and experiences of a select few. Our Celebrating Women featured a number of the answers to a series of reflective questions. Their full responses can be found below.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
I think it’s important to celebrate women every day honestly, but IWD gives us the moment to think of and celebrate women not just in our community but those far and wide. It evokes a sense of community that even though every woman’s journey is different, we can come together on this occasion to celebrate that journey. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
Being a woman of colour, my focus always flies to women of color like myself, so south Asian women and their journeys and experiences will always hold a special part in my heart. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
The strong brilliant women I have the privilege of surrounding myself with. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
My mum. She’s an immigrant that came to this country and made something of herself on her own strength and merit and continues to push boundaries and accomplish so much every day. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
Everything is figure out-able; 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)?
It’s an opportunity to celebrate women’s accomplishments and focus on gender equality. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Even though she was a Supreme Court judge in the United States I feel she fought tirelessly for gender equality for all of North and South America. She is a role model for every young and adult woman. She battled sexism with such dignity and grace. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I’m most proud myself for representing my community and providing women’s ideas and perspectives on issues in adopting policies and procedures in local government. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
I felt very inspired by Hazel McCallion, whom I had the pleasure of meeting last year while in Ottawa. She really was an iconic political figure and her legacy will forever live on. Having served 36 years in politics as a woman in one of the largest cities in Ontario is quite a feat and through this, she provides encouragement for all women serving in politics or thinking of pursuing a career in politics. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
The world is yours and you can be whatever you want to be. Don’t ever give up reaching towards your dreams. Always remember, you have a voice and don’t be afraid to use it.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
It is vitally important that we celebrate International Women’s Day in order to honour the achievements that have been made by women and girls in the past who have trail blazed the path of gender equality. The celebration of the Women’s Rights Movement is a way for us to reflect on the past and continue to guide the future. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
There is no specific group. I honour every woman as an individual who knew that something needed to change and was willing to step up and stand up for themselves and others. I celebrate those that have risen above oppression, abuse, racism, and biases. Every single woman that has spoken up for her rights and beliefs. Any woman willing to take a risk to make a change in the lives of others! Those women are champions, in my opinion. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I am deeply grateful for and proud of all of amazing women that I have the privilege of working with. Dufferin County has a profound number of incredible women supporting this community and I am honoured to work with many of them every single day. I am also so proud of the women in my own family who have lead in many different ways. Thank you all for being a guiding light in my journey! - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
Jamie Black is a Metis Artist who is best known for creating the REDress Project. This project was created to bring attention to Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Jamie’s work not only raises attention and awareness, it also honours the spirits of the women and girls to be among us and have their voices heard! Jamie is a powerful leader and advocate who deeply inspires me. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
Throughout our history women have worked hard to change the narrative that we all live by. There is still much more work to be done to ensure that every woman has the same opportunity to succeed. Keep pushing the boundaries and never give up on what you want for your future! There is nothing that can hold you back if you simply believe in YOURSELF!
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
IWD was borne out of systemic gender inequality arising as a result of cultural, economic, social, financial and other gender-based marginalization and stereotypes. The resulting powerlessness of women has necessitated the need to celebrate women and to make known to the world, why women play the irrevocable and essential role in nation building.
It’s important that we celebrate International Women’s Day because throughout history and in our society, women have been disadvantaged and have also overcome many challenges and forged ahead to raise incredible human beings and leaders. Women have contributed to nation building and many social, academic, scientific and technological advancements that need to be recognized. Most importantly, IWD allows us to highlight the many challenges that still exist, like the long way we are from gender parity.
It’s important for younger generations of women to know that they matter and can accomplish the same or better goals than their male counterparts if they put their mind to it. It is to inspire young girls to know and discover their ability to lead both nationally and internationally. When men are in charge, we know and see the outcome. When women are in charge everything runs smoother, peacefully and sustainably. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
Winnie Mandela, Michelle Obama and the many stay-at-home mums who play the most essential role of raising future leaders and role models who we see and cherish on a daily basis. Stay-at-home mums and working mums who play the role of the educators, cooks, nurses, cleaning professionals, entertainers, chauffeurs… you name it! I celebrate all of you! - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I’m proud that women are being celebrated and their roles acknowledged, giving them the platform and opportunities to play important roles in national economic growth. All humans, exist because of women and the sacrifices they make to fulfill their God-given and assigned role for humanity. Without women there would be no humanity. To celebrate women is to celebrate the very core existence of humanity. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
Lots of women have inspired me, so it’s a bit difficult for me to choose because I glean my inspiration from every single one of them. For the sake of time, I will mention both Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson for her work in the community and for having the vision to establish and lead the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association and Michelle Obama, for leading with grace, poise and courage as First Lady of the United States and being a role model for so many women across the globe. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
I would like them to know that they are capable and can achieve whatever they set out to accomplish, just like their male counterparts. I would tell them to not entertain fear, intimidation, shame, nor the naysayers.
Young women should not let anyone stop them from learning or exploring unknown territories and that education is one of the most important keys to success in every endeavor. Education and reading wide will take you to places no one has never heard of, nor been to. Invest in entrepreneurship and personal empowerment through knowledge. Be confident, assertive and influence and nurture other young women to grow and excel!
Uphold the values of integrity, honesty, hard work steadfastness and dedication to excellence in every endeavor.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
Women are invaluable in so many ways. We are strong and resilient, and take pride in being role models to our younger generations. Not only do women provide support to everyone around them, they do so while balancing an incredible number of responsibilities. Some are called wife, mom, grandma, business owner… the list goes on. Most importantly, we are all a part of a tribe called women. Being a woman comes with an incredible sense of pride that we pass down for generations. This is why it is important that we celebrate US, on International Women’s Day. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
If I could support one group of women on IWD, I would choose to celebrate the women who do it all on their own. The women who show their strength and resilience by supporting those they love most, without a village around them to pitch in and lighten the load. These women carry the weight of the world on their shoulders without even a complaint. I admire and celebrate the women who find strength in less than ideal circumstances. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I am most proud of the community I have built within my business. I have created a space that is safe and free from judgement, a place that is open and welcoming to all. Participants are encouraged to come as they are, vulnerabilities and all. They will come to a space that offers friendship, support and understanding, no matter where they are in their life’s journey. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
I can’t say that there is one specific person that inspires me more than another. I find inspiration in the women I surround myself with, the women that work so incredibly hard each and every day. I find inspiration in those that are focused and driven, that balance home life with their own goals. The women who unapologetically pursue their passions without fear, provide me with so much motivation and desire to better myself. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
If I were speaking with a group of young women, I would want them to know that they are their own biggest cheerleader. That to become what they want to be in life, they have to support themselves without fear of judgement, and just GO FOR IT. I would want them to know that being strong and passionate about their dreams will result in success if they work hard enough. I would remind them that nothing can hold them back as long as they believe in themselves.