Celebrating International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day (March 8), we honour and celebrate the countless achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history. From those who fought for the right to vote to those breaking barriers in various fields, the impact of women in Canada and around the globe has been immeasurable.

However, our celebration is not just about the past; it’s also a reflection on the work that lies ahead. Despite progress, the journey towards gender equality is ongoing. Let’s use this day as a reminder to amplify the voices of women and address the systemic challenges they continue to face.

A purple background with different illustrations of a diverse group of women. The text reads "Georgian celebrates International Women's Day."

Know the facts about gender equality and justice:

184 women and girls killed by violence in 2022.
1.5+ million women live in poverty in Canada.
10 times more women than men in Canada have fallen out of the labour force since 2020.
89 cents – what women working full-time and part-time make for every dollar men make.
30th place – Canada’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Index ranking, out of 146 countries.

Statistics pulled from the Canadian Women’s Foundation.

We also want to acknowledge and celebrate transgender women and non-binary individuals. The experiences of womanhood extend beyond the constraints of societal constructs. Today, we challenge the traditional notions of ‘what is a woman’ and embrace the diversity within our community.

Let’s stand united, advocating for equal opportunities, dismantling stereotypes, and fostering an inclusive environment for all women, regardless of gender identity. Together, we can create a future where every woman can thrive and contribute to our society.

Join in the many activities taking place this month:

Wednesday, March 6

All campuses

Gender-based Discrimination Lunch and Learn

This training aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of gender-based discrimination, its manifestations, impacts, and strategies for addressing it, becoming effective agents of change in promoting gender equality and creating inclusive environments. Hosted by the Centre for EDI&B.

Open to employees only.
Virtual session from noon to 1 p.m.

Orillia Campus

Letter writing activity

Come write a letter to an incredible woman in your life! GCSA Orillia will be in the cafeteria with supplies to create and write a letter to someone important to you.

Open to students and employees.
All day (March 6).

Muskoka and Midland campuses

Wear purple and take a photo

We’re asking our campus community to show support by wearing the colour purple and participating in the #EmbraceEquity photo challenge!

Open to students and employees.
Drop by anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the student lounge (Muskoka and Midland).

Thursday, March 7

All campuses

Watch a free webinar

The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) is hosting a FREE webinar, Gender equity: International Women’s Day and beyond. Remember to register with your Georgian email to get free entry.

Open to students and employees.
Online from 1 to 2 p.m.

Barrie Campus

Activities with the Sexual Violence Peer Education team

Colour-by-numbers poster with the phrase “International Women’s Day” along with diverse groups of people.
Global trivia activity. Play a “candy pong” game with ping pong cups on different continents. Toss a ping pong ball to answer a question for a respective continent. The questions focus on accomplished women in that continent/region, with topics ranging from pop culture to politics.
Photobooth with the #EmbraceEquity pose and props.
Write a letter to a woman who inspires you or to someone you want to thank for the role they have in your life. You’re encouraged to send the letter to the person you wrote about/to.
Poetry slam. Share your poems of empowering stories and messages surrounding what it means to be a woman.

Open to students and employees. Join us in the GCSA Lounge (C building, first floor), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Orangeville and South Georgian Bay campuses

Wear purple and take a photo

We’re asking our campus community to show support by wearing the colour purple and participating in the #EmbraceEquity photo challenge! We’ll also have educational and interactive games.

Open to students and employees.
South Georgian Bay: Drop by anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the front foyer.
Orangeville: Drop by anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the student lounge.

Friday, March 8 (International Women’s Day)

Barrie Campus

Panel discussion of women in emergency services

Barrie Police, Fire, and Paramedics are hosting a panel discussion of women in emergency services. This event is designed to be a celebration of Women First Responders. Recruiters will also be on site to engage with students and light refreshments will be provided.

Hosted at the Barrie Public Library (in downtown Barrie) from 11 a.m. to noon.
Open to students, employees and alumni.
FREE bus service will be provided.
Two departures from the Barrie Campus to the library: 10 and 10:30 a.m.
Two returns from the library to the Barrie Campus: 12:30 and 1 p.m.
Watch via virtual livestream on Zoom.

Check out GCSA Barrie on Instagram throughout the day for celebratory videos.

Orillia Campus

Games and activity table

Visit Social Support Worker students at their table for fun, interactive games! Participants will TOSS A DART, answer a trivia question about an Indigenous woman innovator and win a prize. Then, participants will MATCH A PICTURE of a woman from around the world to an answer they chose from a basket, encouraging them to search these answers on their cellphones. Finally, participants will flip a card and NAME THE COUNTRY revealing the economic inequality percentage by gender. Participants will receive a prize for every correct answer!

Located in the cafeteria.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Panel discussion of women in emergency services

Barrie Police, Fire, and Paramedics are hosting a panel discussion of women in emergency services. This event is designed to be a celebration of Women First Responders.

In-person watch party in the Orillia Theatre.
11 a.m. to noon.
Open to students and employees.

GCSA Orillia also invites students to share posts and tag @gcsaorillia on Instagram with photos of women who’ve had an incredible impact on their lives.

Owen Sound Campus

Games and activity table

Visit GCSA Owen Sound at their table for fun, interactive games!

Located in the hallway.
9 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, March 9

Barrie Campus

16th annual Pow Wow

The annual Pow Wow event, hosted by Georgian’s Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre staff and students, is a celebration of traditional Indigenous culture, song and dance. This year’s theme is honouring the 13 moons and those who carry life. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The event organizers will be accepting feminine hygiene product donations as part of the Moon Time Connections project. The Wiidookdaading Singers women’s drum group will also be performing at the Pow Wow after the evening break (approximately 6:30 p.m.).