The following message from NOTL Lord Mayor Betty Disero, Deputy Lord Mayor Clare Cameron and chief administrator Marnie Cluckie was issued to mark International Women's Day on March 8.
Opportunity is a hopeful word. We all want opportunity.
Opportunity for a job, a home, a life with meaning. Throughout history, women have had the additional burden of fighting for the opportunity to have equal rights.
For the rights we hold today, we owe a debt of gratitude to many who have made notable strides over more than 100 years, to break through the glass ceiling of equality.
On this day, March 8, as we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, we also recognize the work that still needs to be done.
Every time we see a woman volunteering to help their community, running for public office, on stage in front of a microphone, leading a campaign for change, opening a new business, or excelling in their field, we are encouraged that women are making their mark, getting their recognition, finding their opportunity.
We are amazed when we see the enthusiasm of the young women on the lord mayor’s youth advisory council. We see these young leaders using their voices and harnessing their power and we want to help in any way we can, so they don’t have to struggle to be considered equal in all respects.
Their love of people, the planet and this town gives us solace that our future is in good hands.
So here is the challenge to women and allies: While we struggle to find our place and make a difference in our lifetime, let’s bring others with us.
Let’s look beside and behind ourselves and help raise one another up. Let’s make sure there are opportunities for all women, including Indigenous women, Black women, women of colour, transgender women and those people who do not identify as any gender.
Wherever we can, let’s be a mentor, a friend, a supporter. Let’s continue the great work of those who came before us, so the next generation does not have to struggle to find their opportunity.
Together, we are stronger.
