 © The Globe & Mail | Alia Youssef By Aaron Zaretsky Each year, March 8th is marked as International Women’s Day, globally. Toronto will join in the celebrations throughout the month of March with several events that will not just acknowledge women but also empower them. Below are FIVE events, with a focus on Muslim and ethnic women, where you can celebrate, be inspired, and be empowered!  © Clothilde Goujard Why not spend International Women’s Day at the McLuhan Centre for Culture and Technology, located at 39A Queen’s Park Crescent East. Don’t forget to check out Symposium: Transnational Feminism in the Age of Digital Islamophobia. After the tragic events of 9/11, Western mainstream media has been obsessed with Islam, portraying Muslims as inherently violent and the “other.” Social networking sites have also increased the amount of hatred and death threats towards Muslims. This symposium strives to conceptually bridge the gap between transnational feminist politics and digital Islamophobia. This is a free event beginning at 10 am, featuring presentations and Q&A with Banu Gokariksel, Kumi Silva, Jasmin Jiwani, Faiza Hirji among others. March 8 – MAX Women in Leadership Launch Event  © The Circle On March 8, come out to the Max Women in Leadership Launch Event at McCarthy Tétrault from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Located at 66 Wellington Street West, admission is $30 but this inaugural event will celebrate the achievements of trailblazing Canadian leaders. The event will also focus on cultivating leadership, driving change and equality for the empowerment of women. The keynote address will be delivered by Salma Salman - CFO of Wealth Finance, TD Bank Group. There will be panel discussions, a dinner, networking opportunity, and the MC of the night will be CityNews journalist Maleeha Sheikh. Celebrate women all over the world, and indulge in an evening of inspiration!  © Genius Head over to the Daily Food Bank Production Hall (191 New Toronto Street) this International Women’s Day for a“Resilience Gala” organized by Azeeza for Women. Celebrate women and be inspired with a dazzling performance by Canadian singer and songwriter, Miss Jully Black. Black has won multiple Juno Awards and is a terrific R&B Soul singer. Enjoy a thrilling performance by Raging Asian Women Taiko Drummers; a thought provoking performance by poet and artist Naeema Hassan and more! Admission starts from $20 with all proceeds going to the Daily Bread Food Bank – a non-for-profit charity fighting to end hunger in communities. March 9 – International Women’s Day March  © SEIU Healthcare On March 9, be sure to participate in the International Women’s Day March in Toronto. Hosted by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), there will be a rally at 11 am with the march beginning at 1 pm. It all starts at the OISE Auditorium, located 252 Bloor Street West. Join fellow women and march downtown for equality and justice for women.  © BeingMEToronto | Twitter Enjoy a full day celebrating Muslim women and culture at Being ME’s –8th Annual Women's Conference. A Muslimah (Arabic for: Muslim woman) has tenacity and relentless desire to push forward despite the odds against her. This year’s theme is Breaking Dawn: The Change Is Within You. This theme explores a Muslimah’s fierce heart and invincible spirit, and focus on how you can adapt and grow to be your best self. Being ME will feature lectures by prominent speakers and leaders, in-depth workshops on pertinent issues like health, society and careers, and much more! Tickets to this conference are priced $35 and will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, located 255 Front Street West.
These five events provide a great opportunity to celebrate Muslim and ethnic women, hear their stories and opinions, be inspired and empowered, network, and join the fight in several issues. Do not miss out! |
