Celebrating women around the world and here at home!

08 Mar Celebrating women around the world and here at home!

“Each time a woman stands up for herself,

without knowing it possibly, without claiming it,

she stands up for all women.”

Maya Angelou

Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th.  Thousands of events happen not just on this day but throughout the month of March to celebrate and recognize the economic, political and social achievements of women.

“A woman is like a tea bag.

You can not tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”

Nancy Reagan

Each year the United Nations declares an overall International Women’s Day theme. Their 2012 theme is “Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty”.  In Canada, our theme is Strong Women. Strong Canada.   We celebrate women’s roles in the economic prosperity of rural, remote and Northern regions.

Did you know that Canada is home to 17.4 million women and girls and contains more than 5,400 communities.  Approximately 5,200 communities are rural, remote or Northern.  In rural and remote areas, women make up approximately 45% of the labour force.  Leadership initiatives for women and girls in rural and remote areas are available to help with advancement but can also be found across the country.

International Women’s Day has been celebrated for more than 100 years.  In that time, substantial progress has been made in advancing equality for women and we recognize the critical role that women continue to play in the prosperity of Canada’s diverse communities.

On behalf of all of us at Brampton Meals on Wheels, we simply say “thank you” to all our women clients, volunteer drivers, board members, dietitian and food preparations teams and, of course, the lovely ladies in our office – Karen, Rosa and Bonnie.  What you all do every day makes a difference to those in need in our community.

Georgia Mouka, Volunteer Blogger at Brampton Meals on Wheels