Women’s achievements and tremendous potential in a more equitable world were celebrated at an International Women’s Day event held at Conestoga’s Kitchener - Downtown campus.
Women’s achievements and tremendous potential in a more equitable world were celebrated at an International Women’s Day event held at Conestoga’s Kitchener - Downtown campus on March 8. The packed event included fun activities, food and a poetry reading.
The packed event - hosted by the International Women's Day Student Committee with support from Student Engagement - included fun activities, custom cookies by the Dessert Artist, and a poetry reading by local queer poet Michaela Angemeer.
Activities included henna tattoos, a photobooth and button-making station. People could also learn about volunteer opportunities with the YW Kitchener-Waterloo and Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario, which provides free moving and storage in partnership with local community organizations and business partners to support women and children leaving violent homes.
Also in attendance was the SHORE Centre, sharing sexual health resources, and the Conestoga Consent Team from Student Success Services.
“Today is really about celebrating social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Everyone everywhere can play a part in helping forge gender equity. I encourage all of you to celebrate each other, lift each other up,” said Amy Baird, associate director of Student Experience.
Slides with the stories of inspiring women from around the world were the backdrop for the speakers. People could also win prizes by answering trivia about accomplished women.
“We’re all in this together,” Baird said. “We’re here to celebrate, we’re here to learn, we’re here to share.”
International Women's Day is marked every year on March 8 to promote awareness about gender equality and honoring the remarkable contributions of women, trans and non-binary individuals around the world.
The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. According to the website: “The world is facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges can only be addressed by solutions that empower women. By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all.”