International Women’s Day has been observed in some ways since 1908 when the international suffragette movement began the fight to gain the right for women to vote. In 1975 the day was officially recognized for the first time by the United Nations and celebrated widely. Forty-eight years later, it’s safe to say women have made momentous gains in the battle for equality.
However, as a global society, there is still much to reflect on, and women still have many hurdles to overcome!
Today on March 8, 2023, globally, women continue to struggle to gain equitable access to education and freedom of expression extending down to the basic choice of what women are allowed to wear. In Canada domestic violence against women and girls has increased for the fifth consecutive year. Gender-based violence remains a disturbing and prevalent issue.
The University of Waterloo has a proud heritage of joining the collective voices that speak out against abuse, violence, and inequality. Taking action such as participating in the UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The Department of Chemical Engineering continues to work with the University to create an inclusive culture and advance equity.
Activists state that now is not the time for complacency, it's time to forge ahead and continue the struggle to attain human rights, freedoms, and equal access for women and girls to education and employment opportunities. It is critical to acknowledge the progress made so far and the challenges that women continue to face and to work toward gender equality in all aspects of life.
Today is a day to celebrate women and their achievements and to highlight women making an impact. It is important to listen to their stories.
In the Department of Chemical Engineering, today we celebrate our female faculty, staff members and students. Each makes important contributions with their own unique talents, and skill sets that they bring to the department. We celebrate this intelligent, resourceful, and diverse group of women in the department who bring with them sincerity, ingenuity, and the spirit of collaboration.
The global campaign theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. Let us celebrate the women in our lives, support women’s endeavours, and continue to work with renewed determination to create a more just and inclusive world.