On this International Women's Day, I extend my warmest greetings and salute the indomitable spirit of women who continue to fight and strive for a better world. I am filled with pride and hope as I see more and more women shattering glass ceilings and taking leadership roles in all industries. It's inspiring to witness countless immigrant women, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals who are changing our society for the better.

As we reflect on the progress made towards gender equity, we must also acknowledge the long-standing systemic barriers and violence that continue to impact women, particularly those from marginalized communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the inequalities faced by women, including job loss, increased caregiving responsibilities, and heightened risks of domestic violence.

Closing the gender gap requires sustained efforts from individuals, organizations, and governments to promote gender equality, ensure equal pay and job opportunities, support women's health and well-being, and challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination. It also requires us to challenge our own biases and assumptions and to actively listen to the voices and experiences of women and gender-diverse individuals.

As a labour council, we recognize the ongoing challenges faced by women in various sectors of society, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to address these issues and bring about positive change. Our power lies in collective action and our ability to educate ourselves and our communities to create meaningful change.

Today, let us come together as a community to celebrate and honor the courage and contributions of all women, non-binary individuals, and gender-diverse people. Let us continue our work to push for a more just future for all, where everyone is valued and respected regardless of their gender.Happy International Women's Day!

Sincerely,

Andria Babbington

President,

Toronto & York Region Labour Council