.png)
How will you embrace equity in 2023?
Updated: Mar 7
International Women’s Day (IWD) is March 8, a global event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The theme for 2023 is #embraceequity.
We are celebrating in #downtownaokville and asked our businesses leaders to share what IWD means to them.
Assia - Assia Beauty Clinic
(pictured above)
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
Working together as a community to address the huge gap in equity. There is still a gender bias against women, and we all need to work together to provide the proper resources and opportunities for women to reach equality.
If you could have dinner with any women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Top of my list will be Mother Teresa, as I always refer to her when talking to my friends about helping others and being selfless, especially nowadays. Second will be Oprah Winfrey, simply for her compassionate and caring heart. Third will be Princess Diana for her selfless attitude; she was just there to help others less fortunate than her.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Just do what makes you happy and never be afraid to take risks. At the end it will be worth it.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Through mentorship and more access to financing opportunities.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
This is a sensitive topic. Yes, I have. I just simply stood up for my own rights and never gave up on my goals.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It is important to celebrate women’s achievements in every area, and also keep educating young women about what it takes to achieve gender equality.
Anu Raina - Anu Raina Designs
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
One Planet...One Race....let's Embrace all.
If you could have dinner with any women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
My paternal Grandmother - A single strong woman who raised me and my siblings and inculcated the love of craft and design in me.
Oprah Winfrey - Born into poverty to a black single teenage mother and was a victim of sexual abuse as a little girl. Oprah had everything going against her, yet she did not let her circumstances define her life. Actress, author, talk show host and philanthropist is one of the world's first female, black billionaires now!
Arlene Dickinson - A self made multi millionaire and one of Canada's top 100 Women business owners, Arlene is an epitome of courage, grit, grace and intelligence.....an inspiration for all women entrepreneurs!
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Chase your passion unapologetically and love yourself first!
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
You can encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship by supporting your local women owned businesses, when they thrive, their daughters will want to follow in their mother's foot steps.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, I have faced many sexist comments and comments about my background and accent. It hurt a lot initially, but my experiences taught me to stand up for myself. I did not let people's comments stop me from realizing my dreams.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
A woman is the foundational block of a family. When you strengthen a woman, you are strengthening an entire generation. If you want a strong structure, you need a solid foundation!
Carla Guzman - Kare Designs
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
IWD is a day to celebrate all strong, powerful, and supportive women around the world. It’s a time where we can recognize and embrace our differences by building a community led by example, hard work and purpose
If you could have dinner with any women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Oprah Winfrey because her ability to connect with others is a super power based on empathy and spirituality, something we can all learn from. Michelle Obama because her ability to remain a powerful woman while still being able to be a wife and a mother is the example all who question women need to see. Lastly, both my grandmothers. They were raised in a time where women had it a lot harder, and yet they were able to raise the following generation of daughters who today get to live life unchained from any setbacks. We need to thank the women from our past generations, they are a big part of why we can live today so freely.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I want to motivate and encourage all young women to make “believing in themselves” a core value to their foundation. Focusing on the journey is key to achieving your goals, but understanding and accepting changes on the way and learning from them is key for building and defining a strong career path. Allow yourself to be open to new beginnings and new paths. Educate yourself and learn from others, to become the best version of yourself. Build meaningful relationships with your peers, lifting and supporting them when you can.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
We all know being an entrepreneur is not easy, it takes a tribe! It takes dedication and lots of personal time to build a successful business…But if you are passionate, determined and persevering, it could be a very rewarding experience.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
I believe all women at one point in their career life have experienced barriers because they are a woman. Personally, for me it happened when I was ready to build a family, while still wanting to work and continue my career path. How did I overcome this? Well, as a woman we are born to multitask. We can manage not only a family but a business, a career, but we need to create that support system that will allow us to have the time and balance in your life. They say it takes a village to raise kids, why not use the same mindset to raise kids and your business?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It is important to celebrate life in general, but as a woman I believe it is a nice way to recognize and celebrate the achievements of many women that have not been recognized for. A refresher of why we deserve to be recognized doesn’t hurt anybody!
Susan Kupka - Andrews Oakville
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
Equality was a step to Equity and being a mom of 2 teenage girls, it is vital they know the meaning of both and learn to expect it as a norm versus an exception.
If you could have dinner with any women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Harper Lee because I am curious how her 2 books began as a thought in her mind. Cleopatra because she is both real and myth and I am curious as to her thoughts on political strategy Mae West because she was just fabulous in embracing all things female.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
It will never be perfect but you will look back and realize it was quite the adventure, be open to where your next step takes you (physically and emotionally).
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Show them it is okay to fail, men do all the time but that is not the focus. One hundred percent, the glass ceiling is real and working in many companies dominated by men even in 2023 I experienced hitting a wall of growth because I was not just female but a single mother (how could I possibly dedicate the time needed to work if I was raising kids).
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
100%. The glass ceiling is real, and working in many companies dominated by men, even in 2023, I experienced hitting a wall of growth because I was not just female but a single mother (how could I possibly dedicate the time needed to work if I was raising kids).
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
To remind us that event though things get better we are still not equal and should push till we are.
Anna Rea - Tocca Finita Designs
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
At Tocca Finita, we are proudly an all female team. We embrace equity by promoting women in the workplace. On our staff we have young women in their 20s and 30s, and we have women like me who have been working in the industry for 35 years.
We are also extremely proud of the many different women we serve, an incredible and diverse group we proudly style. We love the work we do, helping women embrace their equity in their lives through the power of fashion.
If you could have dinner with any women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Coco Chanel, the Chanel suit, the little black dress, costume jewelry, trench coats, the quilted leather purse, turtlenecks, pants, peacoats and Chanel No.5 fragrance remain standbys today. She started in a little hat shop and became a force that liberated women through fashion, one of the most powerful in history.
Joan Rivers broke gender barriers because she was funny, fearless and persistent. She was a trailblazer in comedy, but she did it her way and loved fashion and looking glamorous onstage. I love a good laugh and I would certainly love to do some red carpet reporting with her.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Always take a chance on yourself. You’re going to be tested and told what you should and shouldn’t do, but only you can be the one to truly take that chance on yourself.
Be a risk taker. Be humble. Learn something new every day. Stay true to your values. Dream big and work hard. Confidence is the only accessory you need to make anything you wear look fabulous. These are just a few of the mantras I think anyone in any career path should follow, but especially young women.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
I believe nothing risked, nothing gained. Entrepreneurship can be completely terrifying at times, but it is also so incredibly rewarding too. 35 years into my entrepreneurial journey, I’m still scared (LOL), but everyday I get to come to a business I have built doing something I love with women I both admire and adore.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
When I was starting out, it was not common for a woman to obtain a business loan on her own. I had to really work hard to prove I was just as worthy as any man to receive a loan to start my business. I really took that chance on myself and kept pushing. I was told no so many times, but I wouldn’t take that for an answer and I am so glad I didn’t.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Tocca Finita is all about celebrating women through fashion, and I think women should be celebrated every single day. The more doors we celebrate women opening, the more doors women will continue to open. For me though, the reason I think IWD is so important is to give back to causes that support women through charitable initiatives. Giving back is so important to me.
Cheryl Fonseca - Civello Salon
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
Welcoming everyone! All genders, races, ages, creating an open & fun environment where everyone can contribute, connect & participate & grow together for optimal results.
If you could have dinner with any women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Michelle Obama- Admire her as a mother, wife & how she has inspired a generation thru education Reese Witherspoon - How she has broken barriers creating a female lead production company after being told no and Drew Barrymore- I just love her!
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Find a mentor
Make Goals (S.M.A.R.T)
Find what your passions are & find something that aligns with that.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Create Mentorship opportunities
Go into schools, entry level jobs and show people opportunities that there are. (Social campaign)
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, over the years people have a certain image sometimes they have an image of you. Due to age or looks sadly still we face this. I have overcome this by always staying professional no matter what the situation. After some time once people can see what I am capable of for the most part this has gone away.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
We have so many strong smart successful women we need to lift each other up. Celebrating international women’s day is one important way to do this.
Reem Khaled - RK BBoutique
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
It means all women are beautiful in their own unique way.
If you could have dinner with any women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Oprah Winfrey, because I believe talking with her, I will gain more self-love, and I will feel empowered by her. Marilyn Monroe, she's a beauty icon, and I'm sure I'll learn a few things from her. Mother Teresa, charity work is one of my passions from a young age. Who better learn from than Mother Teresa when it comes to that.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Choosing a career can be stressful, specially at a young age when you feel like you can conquer the world. I would just say that it might take you a few tries to know what exactly you really want to do. But take your time to figure it out. Make sure it's something you love, so going to work will be a pleasure and not a chore.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
I believe that any woman who has a little bit of entrepreneurship in her will eventually find her way to succeed. As far as encouraging, I do this with my daughters, I always get them involved and get them to make choices. Even if I know they are the wrong choices, I let them learn that themselves. You will only succeed when you learn from your mistakes.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, of course! I overcame these barriers by proving myself and working harder and being better at my job.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
To me, it's very important because growing up in a country where women couldn't do what men did, I always wished I was born a boy because of the equality I witnessed. But as I grew older and learned how important women are, and how life will never be balanced or complete without us women. I loved being a woman! loved testing my limits and loved all my success stories. And I can't wait for what's next 🤍
Lan Sun - Shanghai Alley Gourmet
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
All genders should be treated equally on businesses.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Set yourself a realistic goal, keep pushing yourself towards day and night
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Inspired more women step out of their comfort zone and lead the world
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Not yet but soon it will be because my business is growing bigger and I have bigger chance to encounter those ‘barriers’
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day
Cheer on something we are proud of being as women
Noriko Oyama - LUXFINDZ
If you could have dinner with any women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Princess Diana, Mother Teresa and Michelle Obama. These women exemplify to me how actions speak louder than words. Their heart, mind, humanitarian efforts and the examples they have set for many women and the differences they have made is incredible. They not only inspire me with their kindness and determination for change, but their relentless pursuit for a better world and executing their beliefs with strength and overcoming so many obstacles.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Do what you love. Every obstacle is just a roadmap to your success.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Knowledge is power and failures are lessons, but when your vision starts to become a reality it ignites something within you to keep going. Believe in your dreams, make a plan and don’t ever give up.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Of course. I think most women my age have faced sexual harassment in the workplace, not being promoted because you look too feminine or fashionable, unequal pay for the same job/qualifications. Staying true to yourself and believing in yourself without compromising your integrity and continuing to fight for your value is key.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day
I believe it’s important to help support each other as women. It’s important for our daughters, grand daughters to live in a world free of discrimination, gender inequality and unequal pay. We need to encourage the younger generations to chase their dreams, expand their knowledge and see the world as a limitless world of opportunities.
I chose the photo below because it represents 3 generations of strong women. My mother raised me in a time that was very different from when I raised my daughter but when you engrain drive, encouragement and love, the results are the same.
Jacqueline Starr - Seren Hair Studio
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
To me, IWD means celebrating women and their uniqueness and accomplishments and seeking more gender equality. Equity is about creating fair opportunity for everyone so when we embrace equity, we embrace diversity.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
I think an important message to send out to young women thinking about their careers is to never give up on your dreams. As cliche as it sounds. Keep dreaming big, keep advocating for yourself, be loud, and don’t take no for an answer.
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
You’re your own competition, no one else is. So lift each other up and support one another.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
As a hair stylist, my industry is mostly female dominated so I definitely consider myself lucky as I haven’t faced many barriers due to being a woman in my career. However, I’m life in general, I think as women, we tend to play small. Allowing someone else’s voice to be louder than mine has really been the biggest barrier I’ve faced as a woman.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day
It’s important to celebrate IWD so we can shed light on our perseverance, strength and how far we have come.
Darlene Janeiro - Darlene Janeiro Designs
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
#EmbraceEquity to me means, being inclusive and treating everyone with respect, and recognizing each individual’s needs, circumstances and capabilities.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Former CEO of Pepsi, Ms. Indra Nooyi. Recently, I read that during her 12 year tenure, she was persistent on not just a good business trend, but a trend that’s good for the society as a whole. I agree with this mindset, and would love to hear more of her thoughts and actions on this. She is a trendsetter.
Both my Grandmothers have passed. However, they were two phenomenal women both in their own right. My Grandmother, Vitalina, was a strong business woman with deep values that I admired and learned from. My Grandmother, Maria De Lourdes, had a joy for life and loved her family immensely. Not only did we share the same birthday, but many say that I take after her with my positive attitude, and willingness to do anything for my family. My biggest “why” is my family.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Be true to yourself, believe that you can do anything you set your mind to do and do it with passion and kindness. Love what you do, and always choose joy. Life is short, enjoy it to the fullest. Work hard and play hard!
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Not everyone is a risk taker. However, being an entrepreneur is fulfilling as you strive to be the best version of yourself while working hard in the industry that you choose.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It’s important to celebrate each woman for their diversity, voice, and choices. Empowering, respecting and valuing one another is how we can successfully strive in society.
Alexandra Hoeck-Murray - Community Living Oakville
What does IWD and its theme this year, #EmbraceEquity mean to you?
Creating inclusive environments, practices and systems for all
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Embrace your talents and share them with the world. There is only one you, so aim high!
"Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity."
IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere.