Hello friends,
The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is Strength in Every Story. Much of the information I’ve included in this newsletter comes from their website, featuring resources that highlight the stories of Canadian women.
For my American friends and those around the world reading this, I want to emphasize that the suggested ways to celebrate and honor this day are universal. No matter where we are, we can all take part in recognizing the strength and contributions of women everywhere.
Please know that I celebrate each and every one of you. I also acknowledge that the roots of many Canadian families, including my own, can be traced back to countries around the world—a connection that makes this celebration even more meaningful. xo
This year’s theme highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of all women, particularly those who continue to face barriers to success. Creating opportunities for women and girls unlocks their potential and drives innovation, supports Canada’s economy, and helps ensure a sustainable future for all.
Every woman’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. This International Women’s Day, celebrate the women and girls in your life and share their stories.
Historical background
International Women's Day first took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. That day, over a million women and men attended public events to show their support. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women's Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Women's Day.
Today, International Women's Day is a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action and is celebrated in many countries worldwide.
Ways to get involved
Share stories of women making a difference in your community or workplace. Learn about inspiring Canadian women and gender equality in Canada:
Get to know the Women of Impact in Canada online gallery featuring profiles of courageous women who have made an impact in politics, the arts and sciences, and countless other fields
Explore the Women in Canadian History: A Timeline showcasing the achievements of Canadian women in various fields such as politics, sciences, and the arts
Consult the Gender equality timeline for an overview of gender equality milestones in Canada
Watch Heritage Minutes videos on notable Canadian women
There are so many stories of women who have made a lasting impact. This weekend, I’ve chosen to pause and revisit the movie Maudie on Netflix. I watched it some time ago, and highly recommend it. It tells the story of an amateur painter navigating severe arthritis and a challenging marriage, who goes on to become a beloved folk artist.
It’s a powerful story of resilience, determination, and opportunity, all woven together with creativity.
Maud Lewis (1901 – 1970)
In her lifetime, most of Maud Lewis’s paintings sold for as little as two dollars and as much as ten dollars from the tiny cabin she called home in Marshalltown, Nova Scotia. In her final years and since her death, Lewis has become an icon of the folk art movement, internationally renowned for her colorful, playful depictions of rural life.
Described as a shy person with a charming smile, Maud’s cheerful art stands in contrast to the many challenges she experienced. Historians and filmmakers note the impacts of poverty, health issues like painful rheumatoid arthritis, and poor treatment from some of her loved ones.
Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Maud’s career as an artist began in childhood when her mother had her paint Christmas cards. After her parents died, Maud moved to Digby to live with her aunt, where she met her husband, Everett Lewis. After they married, she brought in money through her paintings. She gathered whatever materials she could and proceeded to cover almost every surface of their one-bedroom home with flowers, birds, and butterflies.
In 1984, the province of Nova Scotia purchased Maud and Everett’s home as a valued landmark and turned it over to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, where it is preserved. In 2020, Canada Post honored Maud Lewis by featuring three festive scenes from her paintings on its holiday season stamps.
“As long as I’ve got a brush in front of me, I’m alright.” ~ Maud Lewis
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to honor the stories—both told and untold—of the women who have shaped our lives, communities, and the world. Whether through art, leadership, activism, or quiet strength, every story matters.
I encourage you to take a small but meaningful action today: reflect upon and share a story that inspires you, reach out to a woman who has impacted your journey, or simply pause to reflect on your own strength and resilience. I would love to hear the action you took. Let’s celebrate together!
Thank you for being part of this space. Your voice, your story, and your presence are powerful.
I love this Kathy 🥹☺️🫶🏽 what a beautiful story of Maud Lewis 🥲 I’m so glad that her house is now an art studio to celebrate her life and work! So incredible. Thanks for sharing 💕