Women of Niagara-on-the-Lake celebrated each other once again, this time meeting at Simcoe Park for The Lake Report’s annual International Women’s Day photo op.

Around 75 women from different walks of life recalled the hardships overcome and strength exhibited by women in their lives and beyond. 

For realtor Teri Andrusiw, the ability to take time and recognize the strength of women in society is an immense privilege.

“It represents the voice my grandparents never had,” Andrusiw said in an interview. 

Andrusiw’s grandparents immigrated from Europe after living through wartime and worked hard to make a new life, she said. 

“It’s good to bring the awareness of what women bring.”

Andrusiw said International Women’s Day allows her the opportunity to honour the women in her family who came before her. 

For Sandra Hardy, this year’s Women’s Day gave a platform to women wishing to stand up against the mistreatment of women in both Canada and the U.S. 

On March 10, in the opening of the annual session of the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women, its executive director, Sima Bahous said, “We face pushback and a peak in resistance to gender equality. Misogyny is on the rise, and so, violence and discrimination.”

Researchers at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue noted a surge in misogynistic rhetoric and attacks on social media immediately following November’s U.S. election, with phrases such as “Your body, my choice” and “Get back in the kitchen” spreading on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Tiktok and Facebook.

Posed in the front row of The Lake Report’s photo, Hardy hoisted up a sign reading “We are not handmaidens. Unite Canada.”

Heather Hall joined Hardy in her feelings. 

“(Women’s Day) is really important now, because we’re only a swim across from America,” Hall said. 

Canadian women should be empowered to use their voices and take action, Hardy said. 

“It’s important to use our voice and speak up and not just keep all the things inside you.”

Both Hall and Hardy participate in different groups and activities around town to help empower other women from NOTL and beyond. 

Hardy is a member of a current events group that discusses world news and keeps each other informed.

“We try and keep our souls together,” she said. 

Hall mentioned her regular walking group, along with the University Women’s Club run out of St. Catharines. 

Hardy and Hall also help out with the Nyanyas of Niagara, a group that supports women in Africa through funds raised for housing, school fees, grief counselling and more.

“They’re always looking for new members,” Hall said.