President's Message - International Women's Day

Alice Gardner-Boreta

Each year International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of IWD events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their economic, political and social achievements.  A world-wide web of rich and diverse local activity, ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to women's craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more connects women around the globe.

While International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900's, the new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Although many changes and improvements are left to be made globally, particularly in the Western world we see more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, increased educational opportunities and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life.

Each year organisations, governments, charities and women's groups in many countries choose different themes that reflect global and local gender issues.  This year the theme of the United Nations is “Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures” and the Canadian Federal Government has chosen “Status of Women: Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World.”.

Interestingly and similarly, the Junior League movement also began in the early days of the 20^th century. We were then and are now, as our Mission states, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. 

Our Vision is also global: Women Around the World as Catalysts for Lasting Community Change. One of our more recent themes is “Junior League Women as Community and Civic Leaders”.  Our program Moms You Matter (MUM) connects to young women and inspires their futures. 

You are all a part of International Women’s Day.  Celebrate, and continue to be proud of who you are as women and of what you do and can continue to do for other women in our world.

Click here to learn more: International Women's Day website