Over the past few months, we’ve been unmasking gender inequities by bringing awareness to the critical gaps women have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly four in ten women reported that their mental health has worsened since last March due to the impacts of the pandemic. Women in BC lost 60% more jobs last March than men and occupy jobs in industries that were first to be impacted by job losses, to a greater extent and for longer.
These inequities have had staggering impacts on women’s health.
International Women’s Day and the month of March is a time to celebrate women, but it’s also a time to recognize and call for accelerated gender equity. #ChooseToChallenge the inequities of women’s health with us by raising awareness and supporting our initiatives this month. We’ve got a list to get you started.
1. Healthy Women, Healthy Companies
Get advice on managing burnout and advocating for your health in the workplace from four panelists at our virtual event, Healthy Women, Healthy Companies.
Healthy Women, Healthy Companies presented by the DuMoulin-Miller Group of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada is on International Women’s Day, March 8 at 7 PM. You’ll get an opportunity to celebrate women by hearing from driven and inspiring panelists including: JJ Walsh of Fig Face, Melissa Nkomo of Kunye, Behavioural Neuroscientist Dr. Cindy Barha, and Sandra Miller of DuMoulin-Miller Group of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. You can celebrate yourself as well by participating in guided movement and meditation breaks throughout the event.
Tickets are just $30 (or 10 for $250) and all net proceeds support the work of the BC Women’s Health Foundation.
2. Changemaker’s Market
We’ve partnered with over 200 movers and makers who have generously donated their goods and services to our Changemaker’s Market. Bid, support, raise awareness, and create change with us from March 14 to 21.
The Changemaker’s Market presented by BlueShore Financial is an online auction celebrating women-led businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists, including cis women, trans folks, non-binary folks, and those across the gender spectrum from all areas of BC. This community is rooted in generosity, collaboration, and commitment to small business and women’s health. We’re excited to welcome you to Changemaker’s Market on March 14.
3. Shop with purpose
Had a special purchase in mind? Shop with purpose this month in support of International Women’s Day. Over 20 retailers and businesses are generously donating a percentage of their proceeds.
We are grateful to our community partners who generously support our vision of seeing healthy women everywhere, capable of anything. This month, we’re excited to welcome back K’pure Naturals, One Wednesday, True Curated Designs, and more. We’re also excited to welcome new organizations such as Rumble Boxing Studio, Perennial Gatherings, Dr. Monica Li, and other incredible businesses.
4. Attend the @WomensResearch Wellness Exchange
Hear from the experts on the latest research and learn about resources from the community at the Women’s Health Research Institute’s @WomensResearch Wellness Exchange.
On Thursday, March 4 hear about topics ranging from health literacy, penicillin allergies, low desire, and a virtual exercise program for breast cancer survivors.
5. #Choosetochallenge this international women’s day
We have everything you need to participate in our #ChooseToChallenge movement on International Women’s Day!
By showing your support and taking part, you will help unmask the inequities experienced by women and shine a light on the resulting health impacts . We may be apart, but we must stand together to advocate for women’s health and make it a continued priority, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Use our social media kit to get started.
Want to support women’s health equity in another way? Check out other ways to get involved on our WAYS TO SUPPORT page.
BC Women’s Health Foundation is BC’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the full spectrum of women’s health. The information shared is intended to educate, inform, and point readers to credible sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
