Fighting for equality for over a century

Hero Azar, a student and the external co-ordinator for the school's Women's Centre, said International Women's Day (IWD) puts a spotlight on equity and diversity issues and it's important for them to keep fighting against those issues while also acknowledging the past.

"It's also recognition of centuries of sexism and the plight of women the world over, so recognizing what our predecessors have had to go through is also important," Azar said.

International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8, to bring awareness to women's issues and celebrate their achievements. This year, the theme is 'Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World = Equality.'

Locally, the IWD Toronto committee hosts an annual rally and march, and given the state of the economy, their slogan this year is: "Women lead the fight!! Good jobs and dignity for all" said Chantal Sundaram, spokesperson for IWD Toronto Committee.

Sundaram said this is the 101st IWD, and when it began the focus was women's rights, specifically in the workplace, which she says is an ongoing battle.

"Funding has been eroded or there has been under funding of things like shelters, counseling, women's programs, women's health, social housing all those kinds of things," said Sundaram. "That's funding that should directly be going to women to deal with their particular circumstances and that's being affected by the economic climate," she said.

She said it's not just about there being a shortage of jobs, there aren't even enough resources available to give women support or direction to get jobs, let alone help if they're in a situation of addiction or domestic violence.

"That's one of our themes and we're referring to it as economic violence against women," she said. "You can talk about individual domestic violence, but if the supports aren't there, we're dealing with a much bigger problem systemically across society."

At 24, Azar recognizes the need for the continuance of work in the area of women's rights, considering her generation will soon be facing life after university. She realizes there will only be advancements if there are people who are still willing to pave the way.

"That's why I disagree with people that say IWD isn't important for us, if anything, if you don't recognize the progress we've made than we don't realize how much work there still needs to be done," Azar said.

In honour of IWD, the Women's Centre at the university annually hosts Grrrlfest, a five day event, highlighting several issues including emotional and physical health, social justice issues and spiritual health, with workshops and speakers on topics like finance and business.

"And the last day is all about celebrating womanhood and camaraderie," Azar said. "There will be music and spoken word...it's more for schmoozing and getting to know each other."

At the rally, Sundaram said there will be speakers touching on topics including the plights of migrant working conditions, and on the economic crisis, but it's also a celebration of women's power and ability to make a difference.

They will also highlight women who are positive role models and who've paved the way and inspired others, which is what Sundaram said they hope to do whether it's by attending their event or by people hosting one of their own.

Being an organization supporting many causes in Toronto, executive director of 4 Life Foundation, Peter Karl Youngren, said when he heard about IWD it made sense they would host an event to honour the day.

"I think more attention has to be drawn to women's issues. It seems to me the feminist movement has quieted down a bit as far as the inequalities that are represented from everything to politics and inequality in work pay and we need to be inspired by some ladies," he said.

Only a year old, the not for profit began with youth mentorship and outreach programs, and has quickly expanded to include programs and fundraising for various groups.

Their goal with this premiere event is to "inspire women of all ages and walks of life to recognize the true value of womanhood," but they also will be raising money for Renascent House, an organization that helps women with drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

The event will feature inspirational speakers two-time Olympic gold medal winner Catriona Le May Doan, drama and music, and one lucky lady will be honoured with the 'Woman of Inspiration' award for her work in the community.

"We want to showcase people who would normally never find the limelight. People you never hear about and they do great work in our community," he said.

Sundaram said overall, the movement has grown with thousands participating each year. She also said these events will keep being necessary as a vessel for change as long as there are social injustices, inequality or lack of support for anything where women are concerned.

"The more women are able to fight for their rights, for equal pay and all those things, the more it will benefit all of society," she said. "These changes will pull other people up, too."

See the related tab on your left for a complete listing of International Women's Day events taking place across Toronto.