Vaughan recognizes International Women’s Day

March 8, 2019 12:00 p.m.

​Mayor Bevilacqua signs Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity

The City of Vaughan, in partnership with CIBC, held an inspiring International Women’s Day (IWD) event today at Vaughan City Hall to commemorate this globally celebrated occasion.  

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua delivered an address that spoke to the vital and enduring role that women continue to undertake in the prosperity of the city and country. To mark the occasion, the Mayor formally signed the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity, which was unanimously endorsed and adopted earlier this week by Council. The City of Vaughan is the first municipality in Canada to endorse the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity.
 
Developed by Electricity Human Resources Canada, the Accord is a public commitment by organizations to promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion. The values set out in the Accord present an important opportunity to guide the City’s efforts throughout the 2018 to 2022 Term of Council and beyond. Of note, the Accord sets out a series of guiding principles on policy and governance, education and workplace readiness, and recruitment and retention practices.
 
The Accord was first brought to the attention of Mayor Bevilacqua through his work as a member of the Board of Directors with Alectra Utilities. Alectra is the largest municipally-owned electricity utility in Canada and was the first company in Canada to sign the Accord.
 
The event, emceed by Chief Deryn Rizzi of the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, included motivating female guest speakers who are thought leaders and support the advancement of women across all industries. Keynote speaker Commander Kelly Williamson, Director of Public Affairs for the Royal Canadian Navy, discussed the process of gender integration in the Canadian Armed Forces and the value of diverse perspectives in disaster relief situations. Cmdr. Williamson was recently named to the Top 100 list of Canada’s most powerful women.
 
Guests also heard from Suzanne Craig, the City’s Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar, and Nadine Williams, a poet, author and entrepreneur, and were treated to a live performance from singer and songwriter DIA.
 
Ratified by the United Nations (UN) in 1975, IWD has grown to become a worldwide day of recognition and acknowledgement. The event celebrates women who have made changes in their communities on a local, national and international level as well as being a vehicle to promote the values of equality and leadership. While the day honours the successes of women, it also acts as a catalyst for reflection on past struggles for political and economic equality, as well as future development and growth that is aspired to be achieved globally.
 
QUOTE
 
“Today is a beautiful and meaningful occasion to pause and reflect upon the outstanding contribution women have made throughout history.  In Vaughan, we are committed to celebrating these important achievements and the strong leadership of remarkable women here at home and in communities around the world. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive city where everyone is valued, respected and encouraged to realize and pursue their full potential. I believe that when women receive support and equal opportunities, they can truly inspire change, drive positive outcomes and continue charting the path for future female trailblazers, and ultimately, all citizens. International Women’s Day is very important to me, as I have been inspired by many strong women in my lifetime, the most notable being my mother, Filomena. Her grace, elegance and resilient ability to never give up taught me a great deal. Her essence is one of hope, optimism and gratitude.  Today, I pay tribute to her, and to every woman working to make a positive contribution to society.”
-      Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua 
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 every year.
  • The 2019 UN theme for IWD is “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.”
  • The City of Vaughan is the first municipality in Canada to endorse the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity. Developed by Electricity Human Resources Canada, the Accord is a public commitment by organizations to promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion.
 
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