International Women’s Day 2026: Give to Gain

Women Supporting Women: A History of Giving to Gain

Kawartha Lakes – This Sunday (March 8, 2026), people around the world will mark International Women’s Day. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as a global day to celebrate the achievements of women and girls. It is also a moment to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that continues to support equality and opportunity for women in our communities and around the world. 

Women Creating Change

In Canada, the women’s shelter movement began in the early 1970s. At the time, many women had few legal or financial options if they were experiencing violence at home. It could be difficult for women to open bank accounts, apply for credit, or access resources without a husband’s involvement.

In response, women began organizing in their communities to support one another. Volunteers, advocates, and community members worked together to create safe spaces where women and children could go in times of crisis.

One of Canada’s earliest shelters, Interval House, opened in Toronto in 1973. It became a model for many shelters that followed across the country.

These early shelters were built on a simple but powerful idea: women helping women.

Giving So Women Could Gain

The 2026 theme “Give to Gain” reflects the spirit that shaped the early shelter movement.

Women gave what they had: time, resources, space, and determination; so that other women could gain safety, stability, and a stronger voice in their homes and in society. Their efforts helped shift public understanding of violence in the home and contributed to important changes in services and supports for women and children.

Supporting Women in Kawartha Lakes

In our community, Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes continues this legacy.

The organization began in 1983 as a Family Violence Task Force made up of local community members who wanted to better understand and respond to abuse in Victoria County. In 1989, the group became a registered charitable organization focused on opening an emergency shelter and providing services to women experiencing violence.

Today, Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes offers an emergency shelter, counselling programs, crisis phone support, outreach services, and education programs for the community.

Over the years, the organization has supported:

• 2,906 women and 2,312 children who stayed in the shelter
• More than 40,000 crisis phone calls
• 21,000 women, children, and teens through outreach services

Continuing the Work

International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is often built through community action. The early women’s shelter movement showed what can happen when people come together to support one another.

The spirit of Give to Gain continues today: when communities invest in the safety, dignity, and equality of women, everyone benefits.

By recognizing the history of women supporting women, we honour the past and continue working toward a future where all women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.

More Information

Want more information about International Women’s Day, including how you can celebrate, learn, and make a difference? Here are a few ways to participate:

• Learn more about Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes and how you can support them.
• Explore the Women of Impact in Canada online gallery, featuring courageous women in politics, arts, sciences, and more.
• Check out Women in Canadian History: A Timeline for groundbreaking achievements.
• Browse the Gender Equality Timeline to see milestones in Canada’s journey toward equality.
• Watch Heritage Minutes videos highlighting notable Canadian women.
• Learn more by visiting the International Women's Day website.