As part of a long-standing partnership with WorldDenver, the Consulate General of Canada in Denver was proud to celebrate women and women’s global leadership this International Women’s Day 2022. Founded in the early 20th Century to encourage women’s equal participation in society, International Women’s Day is now a global event dedicated to celebrating women and girls for their social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, as well as call attention to the work that remains to be done.
Since 2013, WorldDenver has grown International Women’s Day as a centerpiece event of its annual programming. Today, the event is attended by hundreds of leaders in the business, government and advocacy communities across Colorado and beyond, making it one of the largest International Women’s Day events in the United States.
The 2022 program began with a panel discussion on Women Leading in Global Sustainability before a networking break and then luncheon program with keynote speaker Elizabeth Nyamayaro, founder and leader of the HeForShe movement, and former Executive Director at UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Guests of the Consulate General of Canada in Denver had access to all events, including a reserved table at the luncheon. Senior Trade Commissioner Kathryn Burkell hosted the table, welcoming three women leaders from the Denver community as Canada’s guests along with several women members of the Consulate General team. In addition, Consul Stephen Green represented Canada at the HeForShe table, which recognised allies of women and the advancement of women’s rights.
Remarks from Ms. Nyamayaro focused on her story as a girl from rural Africa, the aid worker that saved her from dying of famine, and the understanding of “ubuntu” – the concept of “I am because we are.” Prioritising community and the well-being of others, including forgiving those that have wronged you, was the central theme of the event. Women cannot succeed without the allyship of men, and men cannot truly thrive unless women do. Women also need to celebrate and lift up one another because it is together that we all rise.
Fantastic #InternationalWomensDay luncheon event yesterday, hosted by @WorldDenver for a great message and gathering to celebrate women and women’s leadership! #IWD2022 #FriendsPartnersAllies pic.twitter.com/8CiROPCfSu
— Canada in Denver (@CanCGDenver) March 9, 2022
The Consulate General also hosted a table in the event’s expo hall, sharing information about Canada’s firm commitment to women’s rights and leadership at home and abroad. The Government of Canada has made advancing gender equity a central part of its mission, including through its vision outlined in the Gender Results Framework the Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Task Force on Women in the Economy. The Consulate General team also highlighted Canada’s 2022 International Women’s Day theme – Women Inspiring Women – celebrating all the women and girls who inspire us by demonstrating leadership in their day-to-day lives. The table was a great success, with well over a hundred visitors stopping by to learn more.
“As we celebrate the many accomplishments of women and girls who are building a fairer, stronger, and more inclusive future, we cannot forget that there is more to be done. We all have a role to play in breaking down barriers and ensuring that all women, girls, and gender diverse people have every opportunity to succeed in life.”
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau
Read the Prime Minister’s full statement on International Women’s Day 2022, here.