What started as an historic march in New York City with hundreds of female textile workers protesting unfair working conditions, has evolved into a worldwide celebration known as International Women’s Day.
The New York protest took place on March 8, 1857 and set the stage for annual special events that focus on issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and empowering women in the workplace.
Not only has the March 8 protest been commemorated for more than 160 years, women in countries around the world have joined in and made International Women’s Day a global phenomenon.
In some countries, events tend to be more political but in North America, the day generally focuses on sociocultural issues.
Sarnia’s got a healthy roster of International Women’s Day (IWD) events throughout this week, but primarily focused on Friday. They include:
LAMBTON COLLEGE
• Elementary School Visits
9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Friday, March 8. A group of female students representing Technology and Trades, Firefit and Varsity Athletics will be visiting Lakeroad Public School to promote International Women's Day and the theme of #InspireInclusion. Students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 will have the chance to meet with Lambton College students and learn about what inspired them to be an athlete or pursue a career in the trades.
• Photography Showcase: Inspiring Women of Lambton
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Friday, March 8, C1 - Main Entrance. The college celebrates all the amazing women who work there and are leading the way to #InspireInclusion. Students enrolled in the photography program put together a collection of photos featuring various women from the college community. Their work will be featured in a special gallery in honour of International Women's Day to be unveiled at 11:30 a.m. Special remarks from Mary Vaughan, Senior Vice President, Academic & Student Success, along with student guests. All are welcome!
• Cultural Exchange Event
4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Friday, March 8 in the Lower Cafeteria
Members of the International Women's Club have organized an incredible student showcase celebrating the richness of culture and tradition and the ways the come together to inspire diversity and inclusion. All are welcome!
• In-house IWD events at Lambton College include a special salon & spa day on Wednesday with guests from Pathways Health Centre for Children and Vision Nursing Home who will be treated to manicures and pedicures courtesy of esthetician students, coupled with tasty treats from culinary students. In addition, 10 women nominated by their coworkers at Lambton will enjoy the same treatment and treats. Anyone entering the college’s C1 main entrance is invited all week to share their thoughts about the women who inspire them on a IWD message board at reception.
SARNIA LAMBTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• The Chamber’s Women In Business committee is hosting an IWD luncheon on Thursday, March 7 from noon – 2 p.m. at the Best Western Guildwood Inn.
Keynote speaker is Charmaine Crooks, celebrated five-time Olympian, President of Soccer Canada, and considered a trailblazer in both sport and business. Crooks is described as a driving force for diversity and inclusion in the corporate world with a commitment to break barriers.
Attendees to the Chamber IWD luncheon are encouraged to bring donations for Tampon Tuesday.
Visit https://members.slchamber.ca/events or contact [email protected] for more info.
TREAT YOURSELF WELLNESS CENTRE SPEAKERS AND MORE
• At the Lochiel Kiwanis Centre, 180 College St. Friday, March 8 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Local women in business will talk about their journey and passion for business, including Heide Richard of Treat Yourself Wellness Centre who will emphasize self care.
DANTE CLUB
• Sponsored by the Sarnia Anti-Aging Clinic at 1330 London Rd. from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Speakers, fashion show and lunch.