Celebrate International Women's
Day
Canada's theme: Women’s Empowerment Leads to Equality
Empowerment is
essential to gender equality. Women and girls who are empowered are better
equipped to fulfill their potential and contribute their best to society.
So, what is
empowerment?
Empowerment is
having the tools to make better choices.
Empowered women
make choices that meet their own needs and those of their families. When this
happens, the world becomes a better place – not just for women, but for all of
us.
Empowerment
includes:
Having access to education.
Women who have
access to educational opportunities are more likely to participate in the
labour market and strengthen outcomes for themselves, their families, their
communities and the economy.
Getting involved in the community.
When women and
girls get involved in the daily life of their communities, they learn more
about the people and opportunities around them and are able to share their
talents and perspectives.
Becoming financially independent.
When women have
the knowledge and means to support themselves, they are more able to make
financial decisions that will improve their quality of life.
Understanding your right to live free from violence.
Women and girls
who feel safe and secure in their homes and communities are more able to
participate in all aspects of life.
Knowing how government works and exercising your
democratic rights.
Women who have
the opportunity to participate in the democratic life of their country
influence its governance, taking into account their rights, needs and values.
When women and
girls have the opportunities and resources to succeed, it enriches all of
society. We are all stronger when women and girls are empowered!
A century of voting rights
Photo credit:
Library and Archives Canada
The right to
vote and to run for office is a fundamental aspect of women’s empowerment. In
1916, Manitoba became the first Canadian province to grant women the right to
vote in provincial elections. In 2016, Canada is recognizing the significance
of this milestone by celebrating the centennial of women’s suffrage and
reflecting on how this historic event has influenced women’s empowerment and
gender equality
