International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day of celebration. This annual celebration marks the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Additionally, International Women’s Day provides a great opportunity to accelerate women’s equality. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population, and therefore, also half of it’s potential, yet, many women are not given the opportunity to pursue education or career. In recent years, many organizations and groups have been leading the way to break the barriers, or glass ceilings, for women.
Toronto-based organizations such as Women in Film & Television and #MoveTheDial (led by two incomparable women, Karen Bruce and Jodi Kovitz, respectively) have opened doors of opportunity for women in entertainment and technology. The SCWIST (Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology), The Gist, and the eWomen’s Network are some other examples of groups, helping women in science, sport and business.
Essentially, the trend of networking and helping one another has become a success. Women are feeling more empowered and ready to take on their wildest dreams. Fittingly, this year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #EachforEqual. Sponsored by the likes of Amazon and Avon, IWD 2020 hopes to promote a world of ‘collective individualism.’
The organizers of IWD are hoping to encourage people all over the world to work together to push for gender equality. We’re lucky enough to work with women who champion other women, and have broken glass ceilings in their industries. This month we’re celebrating them, and all the other amazing women we get to work with on the daily.
Top Women/Female Keynote Speakers for your next event:
Celina Caesar-Chavannes – Multihyphenate Entrepreneur & Former Political Leader (Inclusive Leadership)
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser – Hockey Legend & Authority on Leadership (Motivation, Inspiration)
Dr. Jody Carrington – Esteemed Psychologist & Human Connection and Education Expert (Mental Health, Business Leadership, Education)
Jessica Moorhouse – Canadian Money Expert & Host of the More Money Podcast (Finance, Investment, Mental Health)
Farkhunda Muhtaj – Global Changemaker, Refugee Activist & Professional Soccer Player (DEI, Human Rights)
Dr. Pamela Palmater – Indigenous Lawyer & Reconciliation Expert (Indigenous History & Affairs)
Kimberly Simon – Most Influential Woman in Cybersecurity (Tech, AI, Cybersecurity)
Laila Ali – Undeafeted Boxing World Champion (Peak Performance, Motivation)
Amanda Lindhout – Sought-After Resilience Expert (Change Management, Adversity, Inspiration, Motivation)
Sarah Edmondson – Cult Recovery Advocate & Media Personality (Motivation, Inspiration, Overcoming Adversity)
Dr. Samantha Nutt – Founder, War Child Canada (Human Rights, Social Justice, Inspiration)
Iliana Oris Valiente – Innovation & Emerging Tech Pioneer (Tech, AI, Innovation, Transformation)
Sage Paul – Artistic Director, Indigenous Fashion Week (Indigenous History & Affairs, Creativity)
Raia “Coach” Carey – Celebrated Motivational Speaker & EDI Expert (Motivation, Inspiration)
Dr. Stephanie Estima – World-Renowned Health Expert (Peak Performance, Business Leadership, Health & Wellness)
Arlene Dickinson – Visionary Entrepreneur & Dragon on Dragons’ Den (Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Leadership)
Michelle Good – Indigenous Rights Activist & Multi-Award-Winning Author (Indigenous History & Affairs)
Beverly Priestman – Head Coach of the Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team (Leadership, Motivation)
Gayathri Shukla – People-Focused Business & Management Leader (Inclusive Leadership, Transformation)
Dr. Chitra Anand – Doctoral Researcher & Intrapreneurialism Expert (Business Strategy, Leadership)
Emily O’Brien – Accomplished Social Entrepreneur (Motivation, Business Strategy)
Angela Sterritt – Acclaimed Indigenous Author & Award-Winning Investigative Journalist (Indigenous History & Affairs)