Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging: Honoring Women and Gender Equality on International Women’s Day
Every year on March 8, the world comes together to recognize International Women’s Day (IWD) a day to celebrate the achievements of women and to call for a more just, equitable, and inclusive future. This year’s theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ resonates deeply with our mission at A GECO Initiative, where we champion belonging, radical acceptance, and empowerment for all, especially for trans and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Southwestern Ontario.
Why International Women’s Day Matters
IWD is more than a day, it is a movement. It is a call to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge gender-based discrimination, and uplift those whose voices are often unheard. While progress has been made, gender equity remains an urgent priority. Women, especially those who face intersecting marginalizations - racialized women, trans women, non-binary individuals, and gender-diverse people - continue to navigate a world that often fails to recognize their full humanity.
The Power of Inclusion
Inclusion is not just about representation, it is about creating spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. At A GECO Initiative, we know that true equity means centering those who have been historically marginalized. We believe that trans women are women, that feminism must be intersectional, and that gender equality is only real when it uplifts every person regardless of gender identity or expression.
We reject the idea that gender equality is a zero-sum game. Empowering one group does not take away from another; rather, it strengthens our collective ability to build a world where all individuals thrive.
Celebrating the Women Who Lead the Way
Today, we honor the trailblazers, activists, and everyday leaders who have fought for gender justice and continue to inspire change. From Marsha P. Johnson’s activism in the LGBTQ+ rights movement to Indigenous women leading land and water protection efforts, women across history have reshaped societies, challenged oppressive norms, and paved the way for a better future.
We also recognize and uplift the trans women and gender-diverse individuals who face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination. Their resilience and leadership in advocacy spaces despite ongoing systemic erasure are nothing short of revolutionary.
What You Can Do Today (and Every Day)
International Women’s Day is not just about celebration, it is about action. Here’s how you can stand in solidarity today and beyond:
Support gender-inclusive policies in your workplace, schools, and community.
Educate yourself and others on the intersections of gender, race, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Amplify the voices of marginalized women - share their work, listen to their stories, and stand beside them.
Donate to organizations that provide direct support to trans and non-binary individuals.
Challenge discrimination and bias wherever you see it - whether in policies, conversations, or cultural norms.
The Future is Intersectional
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s remember that the fight for gender equality is deeply connected to the fight for racial justice, disability rights, economic equity, and LGBTQ+ liberation. A truly inclusive future is one where every woman - cisgender, transgender, racialized, disabled, queer, and beyond - can exist freely, unapologetically, and with full dignity.
At A GECO Initiative, we remain committed to this vision. We are building spaces where belonging is not just an aspiration but a reality.
Today, let’s celebrate. Tomorrow, let’s continue the work.
