International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.  The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.  Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.  International Women’s Day is not country, group or organization specific.

The Champlain Library has many books in its collection of stories about women who stood up, spoke out, struggled through, and soared.  Some titles include, ‘The Dressmakers of Auschwitz’ by Lucy Adlington, ‘In My Own Moccasins’ by Helen Knott, ‘Doctors Blackwell’ by Janice P. Nimura, ‘Out of the Shadows’ by Emily Midorikawa, ‘Women of the Pandemic’ by Lauren McKeon and ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama.

The 2022 UN theme for International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, looking to highlight the contribution of women and girls around the globe, who participate in their communities promoting on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, in order to build a more sustainable future for all.

Mark March 8, on your calendar and help celebrate International Women’s Day with some writing from and about some ‘phenomenal women’.  To find out more about the great selection of books at the Champlain Library visit bc-cl.ca or call 613-678-2216.  Library staff is always there to help.