International Women's Day International Women's Day 2021 #ChooseToChallenge CELEBRATION OF WOMEN'S ACHIEVEMENTS LOOKS TO CHANGE International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the so- cial, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Sig- ni� cant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality. The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2021 is 'Choose To Challenge'. The theme re� ects that a challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. Orga- nizers encourage people of all genders to #ChooseToChallenge. Marked annually on March 8, International Women's Day (IWD) organizers suggest that it's one of the most important days of the year to: • celebrate women's achievements • raise awareness about women's equality • lobby for accelerated gender parity • fundraise for female-focused charities International Women's Day has occurred for more than a century with the � rst gathering held in 1911. 15 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,M arch 4,2021 insidehalton.com Happy InternationalWomen's Day! International Women's Day provides us with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vast achievements of women in all sectors while reflecting on how to accelerate women's equality globally and at home in Canada. International Women's Day is also a call to action to renew efforts in our collective effort to knock down barriers to women's advancement and prosperity. This year's theme for International Women's Day is #ChoosetoChallenge. We must all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality to help create a more inclusive world. We must continue to work together to create an equitable society where women have the tools that they need to surmount the obstacles that are still faced in today's society. From challenge comes change, so this year let's choose to challenge. The Hon. Anita Anand, MP Oakville Email: anita.anand@parl.gc.ca Phone: 905-338-2008 FB/Twitter: @AnitaAnand IG: @AnitaAnandOakville Pam Damoff, MP Oakville North-Burlington Email: pam.damoff@parl.gc.ca Phone: 905-847-4043 FB/Twitter/IG: @Pam Damoff ToCarmBozzo,manager, development and communications atHaltonWomen's Place, InternationalWomen's Day is always a special day. But with this year's theme "because of you", which pays tribute to people that changed gender equality in their life is so fitting for her this year. There aremanywomenwhohave influencedher tobeambitious in advocating for gen- der equality, respect and empowerment. For one, she works with incredible women at Halton Women's Place who are dedicated to promote a violence free life for all women andgirls. But shealso looksbackonher life as a youngwoman trying toget involved inher community andmakingadifference. She landedupon theYWCAofHamilton/Burlington. It was there that she was surrounded by determined women of all cultures, experience, age and ability that had the same goals in mind - empowering women and girls, pro- viding more opportunities to the female gender and to raise the profile and the level of programming for the YWCA so they could reachmore women who needed them. This March she will be amongst hundreds of women nomi- nated for a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for the work that shehasdone forHaltonWomen's Place andher communi- ty. For this recognition it is fitting that the themeof International Women's Day is about those who changed gender equality in her life. It started therebut it has not stopped. She saysHaltonWom- en's Place has been the perfect place for her to continue to ad- vocate for gender equality and respect. HaltonWomen'sPlace Carm Bozzo , Deve lopment Manager 2211BrantStreet,#20060,Burlington 905-332-1200 As the Executive Director of Halton Women's Place I am honored to take a moment on International Women's Day, to reflect on the work we do here and how it empowers women to live a life free of violence. Every day I am privileged to work towards creating a safer world for the women and children we serve - a world where women can feel safe in their homes, their community and in their relationships without the threat of violence. The pandemic has increased emotional, financial and social stressors, and survivors of domestic violence have encountered seemingly insurmountable obstacles and have still had the courage to move forward out of domestic violence and into safety. My focus at HWP and also at home as amother of 2 girls, is to continue challenging themany systemic barriers that hold women back from making the difficult decision to leave abusive relationships but also to stop violence before it starts. In keeping with the theme of #ChooseToChallenge - we must challenge the gender inequalities that exist and keep women and girls at greater risk of violence. Our recognition and openness around this issue creates a stable foundation of support for the brave individuals leaving violence and provides the opportunity for them to create the life of safety that they envision. Today I celebrate the strength and resilience of these women, who inspire me daily, and I encourage you to celebrate all the women in your life that inspire YOU! I also encourage all of you to challenge yourself and others to help us continue to keep the conversation on the forefront and support survivors of domestic violence. Laurie Hepburn, Executive Director, Halton Women's Place Laurie Hepburn M.S.W., R.S.W. Executive Director