On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls that have helped shape the world we know today. This year’s theme, “Women Inspiring Women,” invites us to highlight the accomplishments of women who demonstrate leadership in achieving a future with equal opportunities for everyone, both in Canada and across the globe.

Today also marks 100 years since Agnes Macphail, the first woman elected to the House of Commons, took her seat in the Chamber. She was one woman alongside 234 men. Following her groundbreaking victory, Macphail was re-elected to Parliament four times, serving as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Grey Southeast in the House of Commons for close to two decades.

This year, the Government of Canada’s theme is Women Inspiring Women to celebrate all the women and girls like Agnes Macphail who inspire us by demonstrating leadership in the choices they make in their day-to-day lives to contribute to the social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.

For the main IWD 2022 event, Minister Ien will be participating in the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case ceremony. You can tune in to the event on Facebook Live on March 8 at 10:30 a.m. (ET).

International Women’s Day is an annual reminder that advancing gender equality leads to important benefits for everyone in Canada: it increases economic prosperity, leads to greater health and happiness, promotes peace and security, upholds fairness and justice in our society, and helps create better countries.

When we invest in women and gender equality, we create greater inclusion, stronger communities, and grow the economy to the benefit of everyone.

Today, and every day, let us celebrate women’s contributions, stand up for women’s rights, and listen to women’s voices. Together, we can build a world where women and girls no longer face high walls and glass ceilings and are free to realize their full potential.