Tuesday, March 8th is International Women’s Day.
Ahead of the day, we wanted to speak with some impactful and influential women in our community to discuss what the day means to them, what advice they could share, and who inspired them from a young age.
Speaking with Manager of Development with Halton Women’s Place, Carm Bozzo, she talks about what the day means to her.
READ: Purple bench unveiled in honour of victims of intimate partner violence
The shelter is providing services for physically, emotionally, financially and sexually abused women and their dependent children. They are determined to end violence against women and children.
You can learn more about HWP by clicking here.
The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in Halton Region for victims of intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence:
- Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777
- Halton Women’s Place 905-878-8555 (north) or 905-332-7892 (24-hour crisis line)
- Halton Children’s Aid Society 905-333-4441 or 1-866-607-5437
- Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
- Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
We also spoke with Kate Holmes, who serves as the Executive Director for the Women’s Centre of Halton. She says March 8th is great for recognition and she hopes that more can be done moving forward.
The Women’s Centre of Halton has a lot of initiatives going on this month. Across their social media, the Centre is highlighting the history and accomplishments of women, as well as profiling local women. They are also getting male allies to talk about International Women’s Day and what the day means to them.
Milton’s Cathie Pattinson is a shining example of what it means to be influential to younger women.
As co-owner of One Price Used Car Superstore, she has flourished in a male dominated field. Pattinson offers advice to young women looking to start a career in business.
She adds that education plays a large part towards creating equality. She says that she is often asked to speak at events based on her role as a business owner in a male dominated industry. She explains that everyone has a sense of otherness and we all have differences, whether it’s age, race, gender, sex, or even something like being an immigrant in a new country. It’s important to educate people on differences and how different perspectives can improve a workplace or setting.
Very few inspire more than teachers. Alicia Cerqueira is a teacher with W.I. Dick Middle School in Milton. She shares who inspired her.
She adds that International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of women and to shine a light on the work that still needs to be done for true gender equality.
This recognition of Milton Women on International Women’s Day is supported by Adam Van Koeverden, your Member of Parliament for Milton.
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