Reflecting on women’s accomplishments on International Women’s Day
By building connected communities and inclusive environments, Disha Prabhu from Boss Women UTM believes that we are making steady progress towards embracing feminism.
For 113 years and counting, March 8 has been known as International Women’s Day—a day to celebrate women and their accomplishments. This year, the Government of Canada has selected “Every Woman Counts” as the theme for International Women’s Day 2023, which emphasizes that every woman makes an impact on society. All women, regardless of their age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds, have a place in Canadian society. The Canadian government is celebrating International Women’s Day at schools and on online platforms, and encourages people to use the hashtag #IWD2023 on social media to spread awareness about this day.
The Canadian government is calling on elementary, middle, and high school teachers to engage with students and encourage them to exchange their views about women and gender equality. Likewise, the government advises teachers to organize activities, such as movie screenings and campaigns, and remind young girls of the power they hold and their ability to realize their dreams. Additionally, society can empower them by sharing stories about women who have shaped Canada. Through their strength and determination, they have built the foundation for the Canadian society and paved the way for the following generations of women to come.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823-1893) was an American Canadian journalist, publisher, and lawyer. In 1853, she became the first Black woman to publish a newspaper in North America. The Provincial Freeman became an outlet for Black voices and called for the abolishment of slavery.
Kim Campbell served as the first, and only, female prime minister of Canada in 1993 and was also the first female minister of national defense. She serves as a role model to many Canadian women who dream of pursuing a career in politics.
Grace Annie Lockhart (1855-1916) was a leading figure for women’s university education in Canada. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Science from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. Lockhart was the first woman to receive a bachelor’s degree not only in Canada, but in the entire British Empire. Her success showed that women were qualified to pursue higher education.
Women have accomplished much in the past, and at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), Boss Women UTM—a club dedicated to empowering women—is seeking to create an inclusive space that enables women to succeed in the present and future. “The club’s vision is to share success stories that women go through on a daily basis,” said media and marketing director, Disha Prabhu, when she explained the club’s plans for celebrating International Women’s Day to The Medium.
She was astonished to see how Boss Women UTM has created a safe home and tight-knit community for women on campus. As a concluding thought, Prabhu believes that we are making steady progress in properly defining and embracing feminism.
Associate News Editor (Volume 50) — Karine is currently completing her bachelor’s degree specializing in Digital Enterprise Management at UTM. She has been involved with The Medium since 2022 as a contributor. She hopes to contribute to society's efforts to provide authentic and factual journalistic media to educate her readers during her time at The Medium. Her goal is to take her interest in ongoing research within the business and technology field and explore ways to share it with others through this platform. In her spare time, she enjoys going on walks, FaceTiming her family, and painting sunsets with her friends. Moreover, she passionately pursues the chase of the Aurora Borealis, seeking to experience and capture the breathtaking beauty of these natural light displays. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.