International Women's Day

I know, and have known, so many amazing, wonderful, beautiful (why do we always add the word “beautiful” when we list the attributes of women?), spectacular women.

Women who find ways to laugh and dance it out, and who find moments of joy, those glimmers of hope, even when human rights seem to be slipping through our fingers.

In 2026 I have begun painting. This is a small piece I made.

I have been involved in Girl Guides of Canada for most of my life. One of the things

we promise is to “take action for a better world.” I have worked to embrace this part of the promise in the things I have done, projects I have been involved in, and relationships (both professional and personal) that I have been part of. I have often thought about what this means: to take action for a better world, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of women and girls.

As women and girls, we are often asked to make ourselves agreeable, pleasing, and pleasant, and to smile. Even when these expectations are questioned, it is still understood that we will work harder for less — not only with regard to pay.

Women have to continue to fight for equal pay, often taking on extra shifts or contracts to keep bills paid — and are often called selfish for doing so. Either selfish for taking hours away from others, for being away from their families, or for spending money in the ways they choose. I know I have experienced this in multiple workplaces, and I can think of a dozen women off the top of my head who share these experiences within Canada and elsewhere.

Women also have to fight for medical diagnoses — when a condition has gone untreated for so long that there are no longer any viable medical solutions, many spend years wondering if it’s “not really that bad.” Did you know periods aren’t supposed to be painful? Many don’t — including some doctors. We need to continue to show up, stand up, and fight for medical equity, especially at a time when reproductive health appears to be moving backward toward pregnancy alone rather than overall wellbeing.

Women who support women — a “girls’ girl” — will be there, will stand up, and will be a witness, an ear, a voice, a shoulder to lean on, and a hand up when needed. This is especially important when other women are leaving toxic and abusive environments, whether within work, school, or domestic settings. And a special thanks to those who say, “I’ve been there too. It’s hard, but you’re doing great,” because recovery from this is not linear and often multi-faceted.

I have known, and do know, some of the most amazing women. Women who inspire me each and every day, not only by all the things they do to change policy, improve lives, educate the next generation, and care for those who are growing older, but also by working tirelessly toward a different future — one where feminism is embraced. A future where women have full access to bank accounts, education, healthcare, safe housing, and quality nutrition.

On International Women’s Day, and every day, let’s encourage women and girls not to fade into the background or be punished when they do not. Instead, may they be celebrated for standing out, for being capable, vulnerable, wonderful, and loving in all their complexities, and may we continue to build each other up and support one another each and every day.

To all the amazing women I know, and those that I have yet to meet: You are worthy, you are important, you are unique, and I’m so glad you are part of this world.