Status of Women Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Status of Women Canada

www.swc-cfc.gc.ca

International Women's Day

Previous Themes

2010

The Government of Canada's theme for 2010 was Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World.

This theme reflects the government's action to encourage more women and girls to participate in leadership roles, thereby helping them thrive, reach their full potential, fulfill their dreams and build a more prosperous Canada.

2009

Canada's theme for International Women's Day/Week 2009 was Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality.

The theme reflects the government's firm belief that increasing women's participation and access to leadership roles and opportunities will help women and girls thrive, reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams, and help build a more prosperous Canada.

2008

Canada's theme for International Women's Day / International Women's Week 2008 was (IWD /IWW 2008) Strong Women, Strong World.

This theme draws in part from one of the fundamental beliefs underlying the modern women's movement, that "a woman's place in society marks the level of civilization of that society." This refers not only to the empowerment of women as a means to bring about positive and fundamental social change but to the critical roles that women play as leaders, policy-makers, caregivers, educators, and international peacemakers. The theme also draws from the fact that empowered women can, and do, play a fundamental role in current and future efforts to preserve and protect the world's natural environment.

2007

Ending Violence Against Women: Action for Real Results was Canada's theme for International Women's Day (IWD) 2007. This theme reflects Canada's approach to addressing gender-based violence.

IWD 2007 provides an opportunity to focus our collective attention on violence against women and girls in Canadian society and to consider concrete measures to end this social problem.

Now more than ever, we must take action to end violence so that women and girls are able to participate fully in society.

This year, as we affirm our commitment to ending violence against women, let us also celebrate the women of Canada, past and present, and their vital role in making this one of the greatest countries in the world. IWW 2007 is a perfect time to celebrate Canada, where women and men enjoy equal rights in all aspects of life.

2006

The Canadian theme for International Women's Week 2006 was "Beyond Laws: The Right to be Me", which addresses women's rights, women's diversity and the need to put words into action.

2006 marks the 25th anniversary of Canada's ratification of the most comprehensive international treaty on women's rights, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

The law guarantees women and men equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities in all aspects of Canadian life. Much has been accomplished to put into place legal foundations such as the Canadian Human Rights Act, pay and employment equity laws, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and maternity and parental benefits.

Despite these legal foundations, a gap remains between laws and the reality of women's lives. Many issues from the past, such as violence and poverty, have not been resolved. Today, as women join the labour force in record numbers, raise families and participate in their communities, barriers remain. These barriers keep women, whether they are Aboriginal women, women with disabilities, lesbians, single women, lone parents or women living in poverty, from realizing their full potential.

2005

The Canadian theme for International Women's Day/Week 2005 was " You Are Here: Women, Canada and the World "

In Beijing in 1995, member nations of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women met to map out guidelines for measuring progress on achieving gender equality. At Beijing +5, in 2000, they met again to review their progress, achievements and explore strategies to accelerate action.

Beijing +10 will bring together those member nations in New York to continue to discuss future approaches towards gender equality. Representatives will also present their country's progress over the past ten years in such areas as human rights, violence against women and girls, health, unpaid work, poverty and women's diversity. .

Our progress towards gender equality can be considered a continuing journey. Our destination is clear but our route remains a challenge. This year's theme encourages Canadians to consider how far we have come and prepare for the sometimes difficult journey ahead. We can chart our course by measuring the impact of past achievements in our daily lives and by sharing our experiences with each other. It also encourages Canadians to join in the journey towards gender equality and help to map out enduring strategies for achieving it.

2004

The Canadian theme for International Women's Day/Week 2004 was "She's on a Role! "

Many Canadian women, from athletes to social activists, have accomplished great things in their community, country and around the world. Some of these women receive little recognition for their efforts, yet provide shining examples for Canadians and Canadian youth in particular to follow their dreams, no matter what barriers and opposition they may face. This year's theme encourages Canadians to take a closer look at what has been accomplished to promote gender equality and build Canada into the country it is today, as well as celebrating the many women who continue to work towards these goals.

2003

The Canadian theme for International Women's Day/Week 2003 was "World-Wide Women (WWW): Surfing the Digital Revolution!".

2002

The Canadian theme for International Women's Day/Week 2002 was "Working in Solidarity: Women, Human Rights and Peace".


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Date Modified:
2011-02-04