Selfadvocatenet.com is in support of International Women s Day 2026
Women’s Contributions in Society
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is ‘Give to Gain‘ and is meant to emphasise that giving time, knowledge and support can benefit everyone.
Women play a central role in shaping our communities. Their leadership, creativity, and resilience influence every part of social, cultural, political, and economic life. Across generations, women have advanced education, health, human rights, science, business, and community development. Their achievements continue to strengthen society and inspire future leaders.
Areas Where Women Make an Impact
• Leadership and decision‑making — Women contribute as elected officials, community leaders, organizers, and advocates.
• Economic participation — Women drive innovation, entrepreneurship, caregiving, and workforce growth.
• Cultural and social influence — Women shape arts, education, family life, and community well‑being.
• Human rights and justice — Women lead movements for equality, safety, and inclusive policies.
Women With Disabilities: Leadership, Strength, and Achievement
Women with disabilities are an essential part of our society. They bring lived experience, expertise, and leadership that help build more inclusive communities. Despite facing additional barriers, they continue to lead change, challenge stereotypes, and contribute in powerful ways.
How Women With Disabilities Contribute
• Advocacy and policy change — Many lead disability‑rights organizations, research projects, and campaigns for accessibility and equality.
• Community leadership — Women with disabilities often guide peer networks, support groups, and community initiatives.
• Innovation and creativity — Their perspectives help shape better services, technologies, and inclusive programs.
• Representation and visibility — By sharing their stories and achievements, they expand society’s understanding of disability and inclusion.
Inclusion of Women in Community Life
Communities thrive when all women — including women with disabilities — can participate fully and equally. Inclusion means removing barriers and creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute.
What Inclusive Communities Look Like
• Accessible spaces — Buildings, transportation, workplaces, and services designed so everyone can participate.
• Supportive programs — Community groups and organizations that promote belonging, independence, and leadership.
• Equal opportunities — Fair access to education, employment, recreation, and community activities.
• Respect and representation — Ensuring diverse women’s voices are heard in decision‑making and community planning.
Inclusive communities recognize that women experience barriers differently based on disability, culture, age, race, and background — and work to remove those barriers.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8. It is a global day that recognizes the achievements of women and calls for continued action toward gender equality.
What International Women’s Day Stands For
• Celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.
• Highlighting the ongoing work needed to achieve equality and safety for all women.
• Bringing attention to issues such as gender‑based violence, pay equity, disability inclusion, and leadership representation.
• Uniting communities, organizations, and individuals in support of women’s rights and empowerment.
Why International Women’s Day Matters
• Women still face barriers in employment, leadership, safety, and accessibility.
• Women with disabilities experience higher rates of discrimination and exclusion.
• IWD raises awareness, inspires action, and encourages communities to build more inclusive and equitable spaces.
• It honours the women who came before us and empowers the next generation to continue the work.
, with rates increasing to 43% for severe disabilities, often resulting in higher poverty rates, lower employment (65%), and significant pay gaps compared to men. They face increased risks of violence, social exclusion, and systemic barriers in accessing workplace accommodations and healthcare.
women in Canada earn approximately 88 cents for every dollar earned by men, with the hourly wage gap sitting at 12 percent. While this gap has narrowed from previous decades, significant disparities remain, particularly for Indigenous, racialized, and immigrant women. The Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) works to close this gap by promoting economic security and implementing pay equity initiatives.
Premier’s, parliamentary secretary’s statements on International Women’s Day
Victoria Sunday, March 8, 2026 7:30 AM
“While women continue to make strides in all areas of society, much more work still needs to be done.
“That is why in British Columbia we are working hard to make child care more affordable, to reduce and eliminate the gender pay gap by making investments in the health of women and gender-diverse people, and to keep people safe from gender-based violence, including intimate-partner violence.
“Women and girls continue to make great strides in sports, in culture and in the workplace. The growing popularity of women’s professional hockey is one indicator that doors of opportunity and inclusion will continue to open.
“As a society, we have come a long way in advancing women’s rights in many ways, but we still have a long way to go.
“On International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women in our lives and reflect on how best we can all move forward to contributing to end gender discrimination in its many forms.”
Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:
“On International Women’s Day, we honour the leadership, resilience and strength of women and girls in every community. This year’s theme reminds us that progress grows when we lift each other up. By working together to close gaps in safety, opportunity and economic security, we build a province where every woman, girl and gender-diverse person is valued, protected and able to thrive. Today, we recommit to that essential work.”
Translations
This is on BC Govt Website go to the link here
“Our democracy is stronger when it reflects the people it serves. Since Agnes Macphail became the first woman elected to the House of Commons more than 100 years ago, women have won voting rights, property rights, reproductive rights, and parental leave. This progress was achieved because, again and again, women have refused to accept a system that did not see them, hear them, or reflect them.
That is why Canada’s new government is advancing the programs that ensure women are at the forefront of leadership and building a stronger Canadian economy. We renewed funding for Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) to ensure stable and ongoing resources to promote women’s full and meaningful economic participation. This includes funding for the Women’s Program, which has reached more than 400,000 women through mentorship, training programs, and job opportunities. Additionally, through WAGE’s Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund, we are advancing projects that address barriers to women’s economic participation and success. So far, over 160 organisations across Canada have received funding, including those in Northern communities.
There can be no equality – and no prosperity – without safety. We are strengthening our response to preventing gender-based violence by bringing forward legislation that protects and empowers victims to seek justice in our legal systems. We are also moving forward on responding to the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We will always protect the inalienable right of all Canadians to live in freedom, safety, and dignity.
On International Women’s Day, as we reflect on how far we’ve come, we remain vigilant about what we must protect, and we remain determined about accomplishing the work ahead. That is our job as a government, and as Canadians.”
This is in Prime Minister of Canada website go to the link here
International Women’s Day Impact Story | Empowering Women with Disabilities Through Digital Technology to Pave the Way for an Inclusive Future
International Women’s Day – Celebrating women with disabilities
International Women Day’s learning toolkit
Women in Canadian History
Women in Canadian History: A Timeline
Women with Disabilities and D/deaf Women, Housing, and Violence
UN Submission: Gender, the right to housing, and disability rights in Canada
Facts, stats, and impact: Gender equality


















