3 Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day

March 8 is International Women’s Day. A day that’s celebrated around the world in many different ways. The aim is to draw attention to themes such as economic independence, empowerment, sexual violence, care and labor, discrimination and racism.

International Women's Day commemorates the first women's strike in the textile and clothing industry, which took place on March 8, 1908 in New York. The women went on strike for an eight-hour working day, better working conditions and the right to vote. This strike was the beginning of the emancipation of women and the fight against discrimination against women.

Facts about women

• Women make up 50% of the world's population.
• Women do 66% of all work.
• Women earn 10% of the world's income.
• Women own 1% of all assets.
• 5% of all government leaders in the world are women.
• 75% of the poor in the world are women.
• 66% of all illiterate people in the world are women.
• 75% of all refugees in the world are women.
• Women in Canada earn on average 25% less than men.

Powerful women in Canadian History

A few highlights from the long journey for women’s suffrage towards equality of rights and opportunities for all, women have and continue to blaze a trail to create a better, more equal world for everyone.

Take a look at this timeline to discover notable events in Canadian women’s history and learn more about the powerful women who created change.

1645: Jeanne Mance, founder of Canada’s first hospital

1853: Mary Ann Shadd Cary, first Black newspaperwoman in North America

1875: Grace Annie Lockhart, pioneer of women's university education

1916: Women in Manitoba became the first in Canada to win the right to vote

1921: Agnes Macphail, first woman elected to the House of Commons

1993: Jean Augustine, first Black Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons

2019: Karen Jensen, first-ever Canada’s Pay Equity Commissioner

Support Women during COVID-19

This International Women’s Day comes at a moment of crisis for women.  Women are often hardest hit in times like these, whether it’s the women who are over-represented in the frontline, low wage service industry, single mothers who are already stretching every dollar as far as it can go, or women experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, crisis lines supporting those experiencing domestic violence are reporting an increase in calls.

Women accomplish amazing things when we support each other.

When a woman helps another woman, they both benefit. And when we celebrate one another’s accomplishments, we’re all lifted up. Together women can do more, go further, and change the world.

In honour of this day, we’ve put together 3 simple ways to celebrate women and equality.

Support a female-run business

PUUR Ingrid is part of the Portia-Ella family. Portia-Ella and the brands they retail collaborate around the world with charities that support a prosperous and balanced future. Shopping with Portia-Ella means you are diverting millions of pounds of valuable resources from landfills, supporting fair-trade and ethical practices, and increasing the standing of girls and women all over the world all while achieving the highest quality natural beauty product.

https://portia-ella.ca/pages/about-portia-ella

Acknowledge the awesome women in your life

Sometimes, simple words of encouragement and love can go a long way in lifting someone up and inspiring them to keep going. Whether it’s your mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, girlfriend, or friend – send a text, call or Facetime an important woman in your life to let them know how awesome they are.

#ChooseToChallenge and show your support on social 

This year’s official International Women’s Day theme (2021) is #ChooseToChallenge. It’s a call-to-action to challenge the status quo by raising awareness against bias, celebrating women's achievement, and taking action for equality.

One simple, yet impactful way to celebrate International Women’s Day this year is to show your commitment to challenging inequality by taking part in the #ChooseToChallenge social media campaign. Take a photo of yourself raising your hand high and share it on your preferred social media platform(s) using #ChooseToChallenge and #IWD2021. 

Shop PUUR Ingrid now and get 20% off your entire purchase. Valid until March 9th, 2019. Discount will be automatically applied.