International Women’s Day – not just a moment in time
We mark International Women’s Day on March 8, yet one day isn’t nearly enough to celebrate both the achievements of women, and to commit to confronting gender inequality in all its forms.
As a father of two daughters, I take pride in celebrating International Women’s Day. We should always make time to reflect on the progress made by women, and celebrate the acts of courage many have made to mobilize change.
Empowering women in our local community to build strong, independent lives combats #UNIGNORABLE issues such as gender and education inequality, poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, mental illness, among others. It simply makes sense for the greater good.
With single mothers being the most impoverished in our country, and less than 1 in 3 female domestic violence victims reporting abuse, research and evidence reaffirm the importance of investing in girls and women. These investments generate multiple benefits seen by individual women, by families, and our community.
Many vulnerable women and girls need you; and I am humbled by how our community has responded to that very need. Because of the kind generosity of donors and volunteers, last year, your United Way invested over $1.1 million to support 26 programs that solely serve women and girls. This is because we know that investing in women and girls programs is important to the successful future of our entire region.
This community has heart – thank you for showing your local love and for providing vital hope to our most vulnerable friends and neighbours. The ripple effect of this hope will run deep into future generations.
Brad Park,
President and CEO
