We would like to take this opportunity to recognize International Women’s Day, March 8th.  We want to express our appreciation for all the women who came before us and dedicated themselves to women’s equality.

International Women's Day has been observed since the early 1900s.  Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland first honoured International Women's Day in 1911. More than one million women and men attended rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination.

Since its inception, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike.  1975 was designated 'International Women's Year' by the United Nations. Women's organizations and governments around the world have observed International Women’s Day annually on March 8th by holding large-scale events that honour women's advancement, while diligently reminding us of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women's equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.

The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while longstanding feminists know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.  President Trump’s recent outbursts and actions remind us of how critical it is to be vigilant in protecting these rights and fighting for full and true equality. The situation is even more dire for women in other countries.

We hope you will all take a moment today and think about the women in your life, whether it be family, colleagues or friends.  Let’s all do our best to help women achieve equality in our society and around the world.  In honour of International Women’s Day, we have made a donation to the YWCA in recognition of their great programming for empowerment of girls and young women.

Thank you,

Watson Labour Lawyers