As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) is proud to continue its work in defending the equality rights of women and girls.
IWD started out as a labour movement day across Europe and North America in the early 1900s and in December 1977 the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The specific day was to be selected and observed in each Member State in accordance with their historical and national traditions.
For 2014 the UN will focus its IWD efforts on the theme of “equality for women is progress for all”. Many countries will hold events honouring women’s achievements and focusing on gender equality issues.
“International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the simple acts of courage and determination by women who take extraordinary actions to stand up and protect equality and human rights,” notes Diane O’Reggio, Executive Director of LEAF.
IWD is an appropriate time to measure our progress towards gender equality, and to highlight the contributions of women in Canada and around the world. While progress has been made over the last century, the struggle for equality continues.
On the whole, women still do not have pay equity, universal daycare, or workplaces free from sexual harassment or other forms of sex discrimination. LEAF is committed to combating these barriers to equality and to women’s full and free participation in the workplace.
In the spirit of IWD, please help LEAF to continue advocate for equality for women and girls.
Happy International Women’s Day and thank you for your support!
Upcoming events for the International Women’s Day 2014 in Canada
Across Canada
Celebration of International Women’s Day in Canada. Read More
Vancouver, British Columbia
March 4, 2014 – West Coast LEAF presents: 27th Annual Equality Breakfast. Read More
Toronto, Ontario
March 4, 2014 – LEAF National and other partner organizations present panel discussion: Media Coverage of Sexual Violence on Campus. Read More
March 6, 2014 – International Women’s Day celebration presented by the Law Society of Upper Canada, LEAF National and other partner organizations. Read More
Ottawa, Ontario
March 8, 2014 – Free public celebration of International Women’s Day at the Library and Archives Canada Auditorium, 395 Wellington, Ottawa. Read More.
Edmonton, Alberta
February 28, 2014 – Women Lawyers Joining Hands, Barristers Lounge, Law Courts Building. For more information contact Professor Bell [email protected]
March 11, 2014 – LEAF Edmonton presents: Forum on Men and Feminism, University of Alberta, Edmonton. Read More
Windsor, Ontario
March 12, 2014 – LEAF Windsor presents: Mazaar Fundraiser Dinner. For more information email: [email protected]
