International Women's Day
What is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8. It's a day to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the globe. The day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action - whatever that looks like to you.
To celebrate International Women's Day 2020 our team decided to share who has been influential women in our lives. Here's what we have to say:
"My Mum has been the single most important influence in my life. As a child she loved me big and she loved me bold. She taught me to empower my voice, value my gumption and wrapped me up snug in equal parts magic and confidence. As I got older, I came to understand that she had struggled throughout her life with self advocacy and feelings of self worth, making her belief in me and her strength for me all the more precious. Now as a mum myself, I see a woman who has decided to change her stars and follow her heart. She has made a conscious choice to challenge self imposed limits and to believe in both her hopes and in herself. She quests for self love and adventure with grace and gratitude. In seeing her confront herself and constantly evolve, I am encouraged to find and be the best version of myself and to reach toward and beyond my own horizons. My Mum is not only my inspiration, my mentor and my guiding force, she is my most treasured friend." ~ Heather Rogers
"Eleven years ago at the age of 18 I moved to Canada, I was independent, excited and eager to be Canadian! Little did I know, that along the way I would meet several ladies who would build me up, inspire me, encourage me, guide me, be there for me and ultimately redefine the meaning of friendship for me. Those that know me know I am a talker, but explaining what these ladies mean to me has me at a loss for words and simply overwhelmed with gratitude. I am extremely aware of how lucky I am, to have made this handful of friendships that will last a lifetime and to consider them all as dear as family. These women who mean so much to me all lead very different lives, some live the next province over – in beautiful B.C where my Canadian journey started, some live the other side of the country, some now live the other side of the globe, and some live right here in Alberta. No matter where we are or how long since we last caught up I know they’re always a call away and we’ll always be there for one another. I met them all here in Canada and friendships like theirs are what made Canada home. ~ Letitia Madden
"The most significant woman I have in my life is my mother, Teresa. She was the one constant figure I had as a child, and while growing up she was my protector, travel partner, my safe place, both friend and enemy (mostly during driving lessons and anything involving hair) and role model. She taught me the importance of self determination, education, independence, travel, personal integrity and most importantly, the value of family. Since becoming a mother myself, she has been my sounding board, confidant, shoulder to lean on and supporter. She loves my children for who they are and I know will always be there for them whenever they need her. I admire her love and kindness towards animals, and share her inability to leave a pound/humane society without another stray. We currently live on opposite sides of the world but that doesn’t hinder our relationship, it gives us more hilarious things to chat about. I am extremely grateful for everything she has taught me and will always feel blessed because I am her daughter." ~ Ashleigh Barlow
"My paternal grandmother is one of the strongest women I know. Her kindness, fierce love for her family and motherly ways are just a few of the countless reasons I have admired her for as long as I can remember. She is full of grace and humility. She is the Moyen family matriarch and I love her more then words can say." ~ Erin Moyen
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Here's to strong women.
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them.
Happy International Women's Day!