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?
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
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?
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
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?
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
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?
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
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?
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
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?
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
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?
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
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?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day
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?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day
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?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day
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?
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship?
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
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?
"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.