Celebrating International Women’s Day

March 8, 2021 7:30 p.m.
City of Vaughan
​Virtual event featured a panel discussion, musical performances and more


Every year on March 8, the City of Vaughan marks International Women’s Day with a special event designed to honour women’s contributions and achievements. This evening’s virtual event, held in partnership with CIBC, brought the community together to reflect on the theme of “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.” 

This celebration featured a panel of female leaders from a variety of sectors in Vaughan, such as business, culture, diversity, inclusion and education. Each speaker talked about their personal efforts to forge ahead throughout COVID-19 and adapt to the “new normal.” The event was emceed by Margie Singleton, the Chief Executive Officer of Vaughan Public Libraries. Panellists included: 

  • Hedy Afsharian, Director of Business Banking, CIBC
  • Zincia Francis, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, City of Vaughan
  • Rhonda Lenton, President, York University 

In addition to the panel discussion, there were performances from singer and songwriter Gracie Ella and writer and filmmaker Madeline Fiore. Residents who were unable to attend the virtual event will be able to watch it online on the City’s YouTube channel. 

During past live events, attendees had the opportunity to share inspirational messages on a flower wall in the atrium at Vaughan City Hall. This year, residents can add messages to the City’s virtual Words of Inspiration Wall until Wednesday, March 31. 

QUOTE 

“Today, and every day, let us recognize the enduring contributions and strong voices of women who continue to make a positive and lasting difference in Vaughan and beyond. We all have a role to play in gender impartiality. We cannot move forward when anyone feels left behind. At our International Women’s Day event in 2019, the City of Vaughan, in partnership with Alectra, became the first municipality in Canada to sign and endorse the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity — a public commitment to promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion. I believe that by celebrating women’s achievements, increasing visibility in our communities and rejecting inequality, we will help lay the foundation for a more just and equal society. Together, we will continue to empower girls and women to succeed and reach their full potential. Happy International Women’s Day!” 

-        Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua 

QUICK FACTS

  • International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 every year.
  • The 2021 UN theme for International Women’s Day is “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.”
  • To stay up to date on the latest updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
  • Vaughan culture groups, organizations and artists can stay up to date on local cultural news, programs, events and opportunities through the Economic and Cultural Development eNewsletter at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters 

LEARN MORE 

  • vaughan.ca/culture
  • City of Vaughan’s virtual International Women’s Day event video
  • City of Vaughan’s 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan webpage 

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