Randi-Marie Adams

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Mar 8, 2022 | 4:32 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day to come together and celebrate women and their many accomplishments across the globe.

IWD has been celebrated since the early 1900s. That was certainly a time when women had to peacefully fight for the right to vote, amongst other things.

In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights.

According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, there were some signs of voting in what they called ” Lower Canada” which was promising until the mid-1900s when that was stripped away and “legally limited to white men and most colonies removed women’s franchise.”

In 1909, In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman’s Day was observed across the United States on February 28.

In the late 19th century, Canadian women would protest against discrimination in education, paid employment, and violence against women and children.

These are just some pieces of history when it comes to International Women’s Day.

Here in Prince George, there are countless women who play a huge role in the roots and foundation of our city. CKPG News spoke to a few of those movers and shakers. These three ladies also shared some advice and wisdom with us as well.

“Young ladies out there, don’t ever give up. Just be ready for everything and anything. Honestly, I started out working for the band in a sawmill, and today I am Chief.” Chief Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation

“Continue being who you are, who you were created to be. Don’t sway from that, no matter what anybody says you can or can not do. Stay true to who you are and the rest will eventually come into place. Use your words and use them wisely.” Shannon Wright, Owner-Operator of The Pepper Tree Hair Salon.

“My advice for women looking forward to their future no matter what age you are, is, shoot for the stars” Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Communications NCO / Media Relations Officer, RCMP

This year’s campaign theme is #BreakTheBias, where women continue to strive for a gender-equal world free of bias, discrimination, and stereotypes. International women’s day may only be celebrated once a year, but, should be honoured daily.

-With files from The Canadian Encyclopedia and International Women’s Day