UPDATED March 7, 2024 9:44amET
International Women’s Day is annually held on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations.
Over a century ago, International Women's Day emerged from a desire for fair treatment with both the paycheque and the ballot.
The modern version now features lectures, rallies, and workshops aimed at building equality for women around the world.
How International Women's Day was born in the early 20th century:
International Women's Day has its roots in the labour and socialist movements of the early 1900s. But the Canadian struggle for equal rights and representation goes back even further.
Have a look below at more than two centuries of history!
Watch more on the groundbreaking life of Agnes Macphail in this Telling Times profile:
Watch more on the events that led to the franchise for Canadian women:
Watch more on the Persons Case and the Famous Five:
Daughters of the Vote 2021
Federal party leaders, former prime minister Kim Campbell, and House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota are among those who deliver remarks to delegates attending the third edition of Daughters of the Vote. The gathering, which coincides with International Women’s Day, is organized by Equal Voice Canada with the goal of inspiring young women to participate in politics. The event’s 338 delegates are young women each representing a federal riding. (The 2021 event was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Equal Voice Celebrates 100 Years of Women in Parliament (December 2021)
Equal Voice held an event in Ottawa to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first woman being elected to the House of Commons. Participants gathered to discuss Agnes Macphail's historic milestone, to celebrate the many ground-breaking women who have followed in her footsteps, and to talk about the work that still needs to be done to increase women's representation in Canadian politics.
Session 1: A discussion with Kim Campbell, Canada's first and so far only female prime minister. Campbell reflects on her journey to politics, shares her experiences as a female parliamentarian, and offers advice to young women who are considering entering political life.
Session 2: A panel discussion with former MPs Eleni Bakopanos (Saint–Denis and Ahuntsic, QC), Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac (Saint-Hyacinthe–Bagot, QC) and Laurin Liu (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC). They reflect on their experiences as female parliamentarians, discuss how to overcome the challenges and barriers that often prevent women from running for office, and provide words of wisdom for women looking to follow the path to politics.
Session 3: A panel discussion with Jean Augustine (former MP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore, ON), Nancy Karetak-Lindell (former MP for Nunavut), Rechie Valdez (MP for Mississauga–Streetsville, ON) and Salma Zahid (MP for Scarborough Centre, ON). They speak about their paths to political life, the role of social media in politics today, and the importance of supporting and mentoring young women.
PM and MPs speak at Equal Voice event (November 2023)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is among those delivering speeches at a reception hosted in Ottawa by Equal Voice. Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman, Bloc Québécois MP Andréanne Larouche, and NDP MP Rachel Blaney also give remarks.
