HUDSON BAY — An event held in the summer to mark International Women’s Day in Hudson Bay has grown exponentially over the last eight years.
The Hudson Bay Family and Support Centre will host this year’s event on June 1. It will feature mentalist and magician Jeff Newman. The centre holds the fundraiser annually.
Jessie Buhler, director and past chairperson for the HBFSC said the fundraiser started approximately 18 years ago, IWD was acknowledged by a luncheon put on by the centre.
“For the last eight years, Hudson Bay’s IWD celebration has grown exponentially from a luncheon to a full evening event complete with supper, entertainment and many prizes to be won,” Buhler said.
Buhler, who is a clinical excellence specialist for the Saskatchewan Health Region and previously the physician recruitment director has been involved for the past 10 years.
“Slowly over time, we are seeing more women in leadership positions. The biggest shift I have witnessed is the marketing of women joining non-traditional occupations such as the trades.”
Sandy Bashnick will be her position as the executive director for the Hudson Bay Family and Support Center for 20 years as of May.
The centre provides ongoing crisis support and referrals for individuals and families experiencing distress in their lives. Everyone needs someone in their time of need. All services are free of charge. Their guiding principles are hope, strength, respect, equality, understanding, trust commitment, and community.
The programs offered include:
- Family Violence and Prevention
- Family Support
- Operation Backpack
- Community Picnics
- Dare to Care Food Bank
- Ladies Group
- GG’s Hangout
- Community Kitchens
- Christmas Programs
- Mom’s Support Group
Each program is diverse and serves a unique audience. Throughout a year they could serve as many as 800-1,000 people.
Buhler said gender parity (the equal contribution of women and men to every dimension of life) is what she wants to strive for.
“No country in the world has yet achieved full gender parity. According to weforum.org, the top nine countries (Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Nicaragua, Namibia, Lithuania) have closed at least 80 per cent of their gap.”
Canada ranks at No. 30. It is expected if the current pace continues of women being promoted into management, Canada will reach gender parity in 2129.
“I am looking forward to the day society has achieved the following” Buhler said, then quoting former Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg. “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.”
On IWD the mission is a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality.
International Womens’ Day officially started in 1977 and today many communities celebrate and continue to advocate for equality around the world.
