by: Surjit Singh Flora
RAMPTON, The City of Brampton celebrates International Women’s Day virtually on Monday, March 8, with a full-day conference that highlights unity, reflection, advocacy and action both globally and at a local level.
Mayor Patrick Brown, said, “International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is evident as organizations and groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements and rally for women’s equality.”
While Regional Councillor Wards 1 & 5 Rowena Santos said, “Marked annually on March 8, International Women’s Day is one of the most important days of the year to recognize our momentum in and commitment to making systemic changes to achieve full gender equality. We especially acknowledge the women on our frontlines who continue to rise to the occasion during this pandemic.”
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton David Barrick said, “While in-person gatherings are prohibited due to COVID-19, the City of Brampton is committed to celebrating International Women’s Day virtually. This day is an opportunity for us to reflect on and recognize the contributions women have made and remind ourselves of the role we all play in advancing gender equality.”
Brampton’s own Cristina Howorun, an award-winning journalist with CityNews in Toronto, will host the event, which starts at 8 am with virtual networking, followed by an Indigenous acknowledgement and drumming ceremony by Mskwaasin Agnew. The Zonta Club of Brampton-Caledon is the City of Brampton’s community partner in presenting this conference. To register for the all-day online conference and participate in the virtual market, click here. Highlights of the conference include:
• Keynote speaker Oluniké Adeliyi, a Brampton-born actor and star of Workin’ Moms, talks about breaking into the difficult acting industry as a Canadian woman of colour
• Sherry Holmes, a contractor, television host, and ambassador for women in the trades, discusses the rise of women in male-dominated trade industries
• Dr. Fariha Khan and nurse Filiz Ozmisir have an open conversation about life through the pandemic
• Psychologist Dr. Areeba Adnan talks about resilience of women and impacts on our mental health
• Lunchtime workshops on: gender equity; education, youth and teens; mothers and parenting; women of faith, diversity and culture; mind, soul, fitness and health; women in crisis; and, women in tech
• Performances by Brampton’s own Roberta Battaglia, an America’s Got Talent finalist; Nneka Atto, a Canadian-Nigerian folk, country, and R&B. singer; and, R&B/Hip-hop artist Ameerah Khan
• Meditation moment hosted by Snigdha Malik, and virtual stretch and refocus with Lisa Clarke, owner of Aura House in Brampton
The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) will also host two workshops in conjunction with International Women’s Day:
Friday, March 5, from 11 am – 12 pm
BEC presents Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, who will talk about personal alignment: balancing and enjoying life with work. Participants will explore personal value identifiers and learn techniques that promote healthy habits and foster deep joy through aligning our work with purpose and personal values. To register, click here.
March 8, from 11 am – 12 pm
BEC presents Caffeinate & Celebrate – a mix and mingle social hour for growth-minded women entrepreneurs and business owners. Participants can reflect on what being a woman in business means to you; mingle in fun, facilitated breakouts; and share your ideas for reimagining “business as usual”. To register, click here.
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