A statement from Kitchener City Council on International Women’s Day 2023

Today is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the achievements of those who identify as women and girls in Kitchener and around the world.

Advancing gender equity benefits everyone. Today and every day, we must continue to challenge and undo the systems that impede women’s rights – both at home and across the globe.

We must also acknowledge that all women do not face the same barriers or the same number of barriers. Religion, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and ability all intersect to create varied experiences and degrees of oppression.

In Kitchener, we should all be proud of the transformational contributions women have made and continue to make in our community. Within our municipality, we’re proud that we have strong female leaders throughout the organization, including on our leadership team and on Council. Kitchener had a gender-balanced municipal council during the 2018 – 2022 term and we now have four strong female councillors helping to guide the City’s decision-making: Councillor Christine Michaud (Ward 4), Councillor Margaret Johnston (Ward 8), Councillor Debbie Chapman (Ward 9) and Councillor Aislinn Clancy (Ward 10).

For the male leaders in our organization, we each remain committed to being strong allies by uplifting and amplifying the voices of women, especially those who are most marginalized in our city.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. Its goal is to get people talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. We invite residents to #EmbraceEquity today and year-round by thinking about what equity means – in both your personal and professional lives – and committing to understanding the difference between equality and equity and taking action.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic & Members of Kitchener City Council