International Women's Day (IWD)

International Women’s Day has its roots in the international labour, socialist, and peace movements that were active early in the 20th century. IWD has been celebrated on March 8 since 1917 and is a national holiday in many countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Like Labour Day, International Women’s Day provides a focus for the necessary activism of the day.  In 2008, the Canadian Labour Congress launched a year-long campaign on women's economic equality. In 2000 and 2005, the World March of Women launched its global campaigns on IWD.

ETFO is committed to advancing gender equality. Read the ETFO equity statement and human rights statement. You can find more information on ETFO’s gender equity initiatives here.