Swift Current event on International Women’s Day aims to inspire inclusion
Participants at an International Women’s Day lunch in Swift Current joined people around the world to show their support for inclusion and equality.
The Southwest Multicultural Association hosted the event at the Swift Current Museum on March 8, which is the date when International Women’s Day takes place each year to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Attendees at the Swift Current event enjoyed lunch and watched a video about the famous five women from Alberta who brought a successful legal petition in the late 1920s to have women recognized as persons under Canadian law. They also listened to a song of the International Women’s Day anthem Bread and Roses, which was inspired by a 1912 strike by women textile workers in the United States.
Southwest Multicultural Association President Catherine Aguilar delivered the opening remarks. She referred to the 2024 campaign theme for International Women’s Day, which is Inspire Inclusion.
“This year’s theme, Inspire Inclusion, resonates deeply,” she said. “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. So collectively, let’s continue to build a more inclusive world for women.”
She also spoke about the symbolism of the bread and roses displayed on the tables, its connection to the 1912 strike and its meaning to International Women’s Day.
“The strike was led predominantly by women who demanded fair wages, better working conditions, and dignity,” she said. “The slogan encapsulated their multifaceted struggle. The bread that you see there represents the basic necessities of life, food, shelter, and economic security. The workers fought not just for wages, but for their fundamental rights to sustenance and well-being.”
Aguilar explained that the roses are also an essential element of this slogan and it refers to the importance of other aspects of daily life.
“It symbolizes beauty, dignity, and the intangible aspects of life, the arts, culture, and human connection,” she said. “The women understood that life isn’t just about survival. It’s also about thriving, expressing creativity and experiencing joy.”
The guest speaker at the event was Carrie Voysey, an educator and manager at Great Plains College with an MA in professional communication and a commitment to fostering inclusive learning and work environments.
Her presentation explored the meaning of the 2024 campaign theme and ways to inspire inclusion on a daily basis.
“Each one of us brings a unique perspective and experience to the table, and it’s precisely this diversity that makes our conversation about inclusion so very meaningful and necessary,” she said.
She asked audience members to think back to the first time they felt included or socially accepted or welcomed. She recalled her own moment when she was seven years old and had a chance encounter with another girl, which was the start of a lifelong friendship.
“It is in moments of simplicity and authenticity where I find the inspiration for inclusion,” she said.
She noted that inclusivity is important as a matter of justice and equality, but also as a catalyst for empowerment, solidarity, innovation and progress.
“By embracing inclusivity, women can create a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” she said.
She shared various ideas on how to support inclusion on a daily basis. Education and awareness are important to become more mindful of barriers being faced by individuals or marginalized communities, but it also requires action to create real change.
She spoke about several authentic ways to make a difference and to support inclusion. One way is to encourage women to pursue their interests and to advocate for their achievements.
“Encourage women in your circles to pursue their hearts and career paths, even if it seems to be male dominated or the path is less traveled,” she said.
Another tactic is to boost women’s confidence by recognizing their strengths and accomplishments. One can also inspire inclusivity as a mentor and role model, and she noted that there are various
opportunities within Swift Current to take on such a role as a volunteer with non-profit organizations.
One can advocate for workplace policies that address gender biases and promote diversity and inclusion. She referred to her role in spearheading an equity, diversity and inclusion policy at Great Plains College, which was formally approved in the summer of 2023.
She mentioned that Great Plains College has signed on to the federal government’s 50-30 challenge for colleges and institutes in Canada, which sets out goals for gender parity in leadership roles and at least 30 per cent representation for other under-represented groups.
Voysey suggested that people can support economic empowerment of women when they decide to shop at womenowned businesses. One can support inclusion by being an ally that speaks out against sexism, harassment and discrimination.
“If you hear or see something that is not inclusive, speak up!” she emphasized. “It is possible to do this assertively with respect and politeness. Don’t let it slide. We’ve been doing that for too long, and
we need that to stop. You have the power to change that.”
She also spoke about the need to use inclusive language and to foster inclusive spaces as a way to create an environment where everyone feels respected and welcomed.
“Let’s remember that it’s not just a concept,” she said about the need to inspire inclusion. “It’s a commitment to creating spaces where every voice is heard, valued, respected. It’s driven by the inspiration to foster inclusivity. Each of us has the power to make a difference through activism, kindness, and standing against injustice.”
Voysey said after her presentation she felt honoured to be asked to speak at the event about a subject close to her heart. She wanted to share some ideas about things that people can actually do to make a difference.
“Very individualistic, small things make big differences,” she said. “I wanted to leave people with a sense of I can do something. I have the power just to shift things a little bit and my little bit is going to add to everybody else’s little bit and then eventually it’s going to be a lot.”