Each year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD). The 2020 campaign theme is #EachforEqual, drawing attention to how each of us can take concrete steps to make a more equal world for everyone.
There’s no shortage of ways we can contribute our thoughts and actions to build a more equal world. Mentoring (or "reverse mentoring"), championing a colleague or putting ourselves forward for positions on the bench, in the boardroom or in leadership are all ways to build a more equal world. Going to a great event? Bring a friend. Read something inspiring? Share it!
National IWD Initiatives
Madam Justice
WLF branches offer a variety of programs and initiatives to demystify the judicial appointment process and encourage women lawyers to apply for positions on the bench. Having judges with a diversity of life experiences helps the justice system reflect the society it serves.
The new “Madam Justice” online gallery highlights and celebrates the diversity of Canadian female-identifying judges. The project will create a public online space to showcase the stories of women judges from across the country. The gallery will feature short profiles of provincially and federally appointed judges from across Canada and will be delivered in collaboration with the Judges Section.
Make sure to visit our website after March 8 to see the first featured judges!
Upcoming Webinar
This March 9 webinar focuses on the importance of gender diversity on boards and provides both senior and junior lawyers with an update on diversity disclosure practices of certain Canadian publicly traded companies, recent regulatory developments and key information and practical tools when volunteering for non-profit boards.
REGISTER NOW
Other National Projects
- Gowning: Read recent media coverage of the CBA WLF’s advocacy for courts to adopt inclusive gowning directives.
- Writing Her In Student Essay Contest: Are you a full-time student enrolled in a Canadian law school? Enter by March 31, 2020 and you could win $500 for the best paper on contributions of women lawyers or important developments in the law that affect women in Canada.
Local Events for IWD
- British Columbia: Join the Vancouver Branch for an IWD Social March 3. Contact Daria Batkin
- Join the Kamloops Branch for the Bench & Bar Brunch on March 8. Contact Aachal N. Soll
- Nova Scotia: Contribute to the 8th Annual IWD Collection Drive for shelters/transition homes March 6. Contact Sydney Logan
- Ontario: The OBA WLF is hosting its annual IWD event in collaboration with the Law Society of Ontario (date TBC). During the month of March, donate your used clothing to the OBA to support the local women’s empowerment charity, Dress for Success. Contact Richa Sandill
- Quebec: March 9, hear a panel discussion on 30 years after Tremblay v. Daigle and the state of abortion and reproductive rights law in Quebec and Canada, featuring special guest, retired Judge Robert Décary. Contact Patricia Gamliel
- Saskatchewan South: March 4, Jacq Brasseur, Executive Director of the University of Regina’s Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, will present a Lunch and Learn on “Creating Inclusive Space for you, your Colleagues and your Clients.” Contact Carly Romanow
- Yukon: March 9, join Madam Justice Suzanne Duncan and Whitehorse City Councillor Laura Cabott, Kathy Kinchen and Tina Brobby to discuss their experiences and perspectives as female lawyers. Contact Fia Jampolsky
Get Involved
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Check our member articles to stay current with issues affecting women lawyers across Canada.
Sabrina A. Bandali
Chair of WLF