4 minute read
Celebrating local women
The publishing of Celebrating Women magazine alongside our International Women’s Day celebration always provides Family Transition Place (FTP) with the privilege and opportunity to reflect on the remarkable women who surround us. The women that support us, that support other women and their families, who volunteer their time and expertise—women that fiercely believe in our mission and vision and who deeply recognize the importance of celebrating women—not just on International Women’s Day—but every day.
While there is simply no shortage of extraordinary women to honour and celebrate in this community, we are pleased to share the perspectives and experiences of a select few.
Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
I think it’s important to celebrate women every day, honestly, but IWD gives us the moment to think of and celebrate women not just in our community but those far and wide. It evokes a sense of community that even though every woman’s journey is different, we can come together on this occasion to celebrate that journey.
Priyanka Kumar Member, Family Transition Place Governance Committee
Is there a particular woman who inspires you?
I felt very inspired by Hazel McCallion, whom I had the pleasure of meeting last year while in Ottawa. She really was an iconic political figure and her legacy will forever live on. Having served 36 years in politics as a woman in one of the largest cities in Ontario is quite a feat and through this, she provides encouragement for all women serving in politics or thinking of pursuing a career in politics.
Debbie Sherwood Councillor, Town of Orangeville
What/who are you most proud of? Why?
I am deeply grateful for and proud of all the amazing women that I have the privilege of working with. Dufferin County has a profound number of incredible women supporting this community and I am honoured to work with many of them every single day. I am also so proud of the women in my own family who have led in many different ways. Thank you all for being a guiding light in my journey!
Erin Goodyear Director, Choices Youth Shelter
If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
I would like them to know that they are capable and can achieve whatever they set out to accomplish, just like their male counterparts. I would tell them to not entertain fear, intimidation, shame, nor the naysayers.
Young women should not let anyone stop them from learning or exploring unknown territories and that education is one of the most important keys to success in every endeavor. Education and reading wide will take you to places no one has never heard of, nor been to. Invest in entrepreneurship and personal empowerment through knowledge. Be confident, assertive and influence and nurture other young women to grow and excel!
Stella Adeneriba Aluze Director with the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association (DCCBA)
If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on International Women’s Day, who would that be? Why?
If I could support one group of women on International Women’s Day, I would choose to celebrate the women who do it all on their own. The women who show their strength and resilience by supporting those they love most, without a village around them to pitch in and lighten the load. These women carry the weight of the world on their shoulders without even a complaint. I admire and celebrate the women who find strength in less than ideal circumstances.
Amrita Baraya Owner, AB Healthy Fitness
FTP extends its most sincere gratitude to these exceptional women for allowing us to share their thoughtful words and reflections. The comments on this page are excerpts from heartfelt insights provided by these women. Please visit familytransitionplace.ca to read their complete responses.
