Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World.

In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the United Nations’ lead, Canada chose March 8 as International Women’s Day.

Each year at this time, Canadians celebrate progress toward equality for women and their full participation, reflect on the challenges and barriers that remain, and consider future steps to achieving equality for all women, in all aspects of their lives.

Over time, International Women’s Day has grown into a week-long series of commemorative events and activities across the country. International Women’s Week 2010 begins on Sunday, March 7 and wraps up on Saturday, March 13.

We encourage all Canadians – women and men, girls and boys – to promote International Women’s Day / International Women’s Week. Better yet, why not organize your own IWD/IWW event in your community, organization, workplace or school?

March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), the highlight of International Women’s Week (IWW). Each year at this time, Canadians celebrate progress toward equality for women and their full participation, reflect on current challenges and consider future steps in achieving equality for all women, in all aspects of their lives.

International Women’s Week 2010 begins on Sunday, March 7, and wraps up on Saturday, March 13. The Government of Canada’s theme for 2010 is Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World.

This theme reflects the government’s action to encourage more women and girls to participate in leadership roles, thereby helping them thrive, reach their full potential, fulfill their dreams and build a more prosperous Canada.

For Canadians, equality means women and men sharing in the responsibilities and obligations, as well as in the opportunities and rewards, of life and work. In Canada, leadership is key across society – from the private sector to governments to the general public. Leadership is important, so that people of all origins, generations and backgrounds can participate fully in our country’s economic, social and democratic life, and ultimately, in improving the state of the world.