International Women's Day 2021

Today is International Women's Day 2021.  This year's theme is #ChooseToChallenge

International Women’s Day is March 8, an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards achieving gender equality and celebrate the acts of courage and determination by individuals who have played an extraordinary role in advancing gender equality in their communities. The beginnings of International Women's Day (IWD) trace back to the early twentieth century, emerging from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflecting a growing call for women to participate equally in society.

The first International Women's Day was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. That day, more than one million women and men showed their support by participating in public events. In the years that followed, other countries began to observe and celebrate this day.

The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women's Year and began celebrating IWD on March 8, later adopting a resolution designating March 8 as International Women's Day.

Today, International Women's Day, a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action, is celebrated in countries around the world. You can learn more here

Finally - in the Cariboo Regional District: Of our 16 Board Members, 6 are female including our Board Chair, Margo Wagner who is only the 3rd Women, in our 52 Year History, to be in that role and she does a great job at it. I am pleased to report that among the 12 Area Directors, 6 are female so we can celebrate the fact that we have Gender Parity among the elected Directors and still strive towards Gender Parity for our 16 member Board.

Also, 85 of the Regional District's 116 staff are female.  Thank you to you for all of the great work you do behind the scenes.  It does not go unnoticed!! :)

The Area D Alternate Director is Phyllis Webstad and she does a great job at the Cariboo Regional District Board table in my absence.  She has served in this role since December 2014 and we often chat about Area D issues monthly or every two months and I appreciate her wisdom and feedback.  Also proud of the work she does in connection with the local Orange Shirt Society, whether here or across Canada.  Keep it up, Phyllis!!!

To my female colleagues at the Cariboo Regional District and on the NCLGA Board - it is an honour and pleasure to work with you all! 

SF