Across generations, the stories sounded familiar: mothers who held families together, daughters breaking new ground and friends who lifted each other up.
In Simcoe Park last Sunday, more than 100 women gathered for Niagara-on-the-Lake’s annual International Women’s Day photograph — and to celebrate the women who shaped them.
Elaine Sonoda from St. Davids, responded without hesitation to the question of who her role model is — her mother.
“At that age, you didn’t respect what they did for you, but as you age, you think, ‘Holy! Mom did all that for us.'”
The community tradition that brings together residents across NOTL to connect and celebrate women’s achievements.
Across the park, women spoke about the people who shaped them, often naming mothers, daughters, mentors and colleagues while reflecting on how expectations for women have shifted across generations.
Several residents reunited with longtime friends, while others attended for the first time after seeing last year’s photograph and deciding to take part in the tradition themselves.
Tanya Peterson, a boxing coach with the St. Catharines Boxing Club, attended the event with her five-year-old daughter Sasha — also a boxer. Peterson has coached women’s boxing programs for more than two decades and created women-only classes at the boxing club.
“International Women’s Day to me is about a community of women at all ages coming together and building that self-confidence, especially in male-dominated sports like boxing,” she said.
Peterson’s long involvement in the sport will soon receive formal recognition. On March 27, she will receive a Niagara boxing legend honour for her work expanding opportunities for women in boxing.
She described the group photo as a simple but meaningful way to represent women across the community.
“Without women, we would be nothing. We would be nowhere,” said Peterson.
Several participants spoke about generational progress and the hope that younger women will continue advancing opportunities.
Tracey Tallman, who attended with friends dressed as Mrs. Roper from “Three’s Company” — orange wigs and all — said her role model is her daughter. She reflected on watching younger women move beyond the barriers previous generations faced.
“My daughter is a better version of me in so many ways,” said Tallman. “She’s aware of all my stuff that I carry forward as an adult, and she’s just broken all sorts of barriers.”
Sonoda also spoke about how views on women’s roles have shifted during her lifetime.
“As women we should respect each other and allow every generation to become stronger and better than the last.”
For others, the day centred on the everyday contributions by women that often go unnoticed.
Carrie Corfield, bakery manager at the new Foodland store, attended after decorating Women’s Day displays at the store earlier in the day.
“Women sometimes rule the world in the background, even if it doesn’t always look like it from the front.”
Corfield handed out donated flowers for the women to hold during the photo and described the celebration as a reminder to acknowledge women’s work and leadership.
“A simple flower puts a smile on a woman’s face because she feels appreciated and seen for the day.”
Many women answered the same way when asked who they looked up to. They named their mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and women they had worked beside for years.
Tracy Frena attended with her daughter Rachel Frena and spoke about raising the next generation in Niagara.
“It’s a great day to celebrate what women have achieved over centuries and to keep supporting young women so they grow up to be strong members of the community,” she said.
Lois Chapman attended the event for the first time this year after returning early from a winter stay in Palm Springs, where she volunteers during the off-season.
“It’s wonderful to recognize women because it’s been a long time coming.”
Chapman volunteers locally with organizations including the Shaw Festival, Music Niagara, the Niagara Historical Museum and the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.
Ruth Hunter, a longtime resident, attended with several friends who have also volunteered in Niagara-on-the-Lake for years.
“It’s an important day because there are too many women who are still oppressed and treated as second-class citizens in many countries, so it matters that we come out, unite and show support for all women.”
Hunter spoke with longtime friends Caroline Kindness, Margaret Walker and Tara Korkmaz who described the day as an opportunity to reconnect and recognize women who make the community a better place.
Participants began gathering at 1 p.m., greeting friends and meeting new residents before the photo was taken shortly after 1:30.
With the turnout for the photo growing each year, The Lake Report thanks all who attended and hopes more will come out in 2027 to celebrate the women who make Niagara-on-the-Lake a great place to live.
