International Women's Day
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Since 1911, March 8th has marked International Women’s Day (IWD). This year marks 115 years of celebrating women’s achievements and calling the world to action to further gender equality.
IWD at QMUNITY
The United Nations states that, “women have only 64% of the legal rights that men hold worldwide.” As we celebrate a history of collective achievements, we also acknowledge that there is much work to be done to further women's rights. The Women’s Rights Movement has contributed greatly to advancing the rights of queer people in Canada and beyond. At QMUNITY, we recognize that in recent years, the economic, social, legal, and medical hardships faced by cis women and trans women have been amplified. Our Executive Director, Anoop Gill, wrote some words in 2024 that still feel relevant today:
“As we take today to celebrate womanhood, we must also acknowledge the ongoing challenges that women face around the world. Like all queer rights, women’s rights are at risk now more than ever, as we face attacks on autonomy to our bodies and minds. In particular, we cannot ignore the violence and discrimination directed at trans women, particularly trans women of color. Trans women are an integral part of QMUNITY and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community broadly, and we know that they face disproportionate levels of violence, hate crimes, and discrimination. It is our responsibility to stand in solidarity with trans women, and to advocate for their safety, rights, and inclusion in all aspects of society. ” - Anoop Gill, QMUNITY Executive Director, 2024
2SLGBTQIA+ Women in Canada
2SLGBTQIA+ women continue to be a marginalized population in Canada due to many compounding factors. 2SLGBTQIA+ women experience greater rates of workplace discrimination and economic barriers, often earning less, advancing less, and becoming unemployed at higher rates than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. Lesbian, bisexual+, and trans women face increased risks of gender based violence and harassment, both from partners and in public spaces.
Meanwhile, healthcare disparities persist for 2SLGBTQIA+ women due to lack of provider knowledge, discrimination, and inadequate access to gender-affirming care.
Despite Indigenous reconciliation efforts, Indigenous women have continued to experience erasure, discrimination, and human rights violations across Canada.
According to the Assembly of First Nations, "Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, and 11% of missing women, yet Indigenous people make up only 4.3% of the population of Canada." True women’s liberation requires that all Indigenous women be free from violence and discrimination. Women’s liberation includes decolonization and safety for ALL women.
On International Women’s Day, we recognize Indigenous women, BIPOC women, trans women and trans women of colour, and queer women for their achievements, efforts, challenges and hardships in BC and around the world. We remember and celebrate those who have fought for women’s rights, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and Indigenous rights. At QMUNITY, we work towards a future where all women and gender-diverse people live free from discrimination, violence, and inequality. A future where every voice is heard and valued.
