March 8 is International Women’s Day – Let’s find strength in every story
March 8 is International Women’s Day. The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is Strength in every story. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about some Canadian women, both past and present, who have made a difference to our social, cultural and political landscape. Here are some of the extraordinary women you can discover:
Françoise David advocates for women’s rights in the political and social justice spheres in Québec.
Rosemary Brown, a tireless advocate for human rights, was the first Black woman to sit in a provincial legislature in Canada.
Tanya Tagaq has performed for audiences all over the world, blending throat singing with avant-garde music seamlessly and skilfully, as well as being an outspoken defender of Inuit culture and land.
Dr. Mona Shahwan El-Tahan is an engineer in Newfoundland who founded Women is Science and Engineering NL to promote women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Academic Dr Notisha Massaquoi’s tireless work in advocating for Black women’s healthcare has spanned over 30 years and touches on immigration, anti-racism, poverty and, of course, health. 
These Canadian women have not only written their own stories across the country, but they have also supported the telling of countless other women’s stories. Both big and small, these stories as well as others are important and weave their way through the fabric of Canadian society. This year’s theme highlights the necessity of listening to and amplifying the voices of all women, particularly those who continue to face barriers to success. Supporting and creating opportunities for women and girls unlocks their potential and drives innovation.
Each conversation we have about women’s experiences in the workplace, in the home, or in society at large, is another small battle in the bigger war against inequality. The JLP creates space for these conversations to happen in its virtual discussions and in-person workshops, particularly in Respecting Differences / Anti-Discrimination, Duty to Accommodate (coming soon) and Preventing Harassment and Violence in the Workplace.
Photo of Dr Massaquoi by Nathaniel Anderson; Photo of Tanya Tagaq by Vanessa