Monday, March 8 is International Women's Day. This day is set aside as a global day of celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In some countries protests and parades fill the streets to mark this day while other countries hold no official observances. Either way we all know women who deserve to be celebrated.
International Women's Day began in Europe as the women's suffragette movement swept across the continent during the early 1900s. Still tied heavily to women's rights, this day also celebrates the contributions women have made to societies across the globe and through the ages.
In Canada, our suffragette movement began with Nellie McClung, Henrietta Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parbly and, my personal favourite, Emily Murphy. These five women took the fight for women's right to vote all the way to the supreme court and won! Individually these women were intelligent, compassionate, gifted and determined. Together they were an unstoppable force!
Nellie McClung was a Manitoba girl and first made her mark in her home province as a writer, teacher and social activist before moving to Alberta and beginning her career as a member of the Alberta Legislature. She was a fierce advocate and loyal friend. She was a deep thinker and a champion of her peers who were raising their voices in support of social and political justice for all.
Now, more than a hundred years after her brilliant mock parliament performance, her voice still echoes through-out Canada and her legacy lives on through The Nellie McClung Foundation. The foundation continues to elevate women and celebrate their unique contributions to justice and equality. Through events, scholarships and educational opportunities Nellie's ideals of women's rights and a more just society continues.
This is why, for International Women's Day this year we are donating $10 from each of our International Women's Day bouquet to The Nellie McClung Foundation so they can continue to empower and inspire women across Canada and around the world.
This International Women's Day who are you celebrating? Share with us the women who inspire you, challenge and empower you.
Journal entry written by Academy Florist team member Nichole Forbes
1 comment
On behalf of the Board of the Nellie McClung Foundation – many thanks.
Nellie was such an icon for women and women’s rights. We know there was/is much to do to bring true equity and we are working on that but we need heroes along the way and Nellie is that,,,recognizing that she was a’ woman of her time’ and we need to keep working on that task – thank you for this very generous gesture that will help us keep the journey marching ahead. We are very grateful.
Doris Mae Oulton
March 09, 2021Leave a comment