International Women's Day — 115 Years of Advocacy and Action

It is hard to believe, but International Women’s Day (IWD) has existed in one form or another for more than a century. As early as 1776, history records Abigail Smith Adams — wife of President John Adams — taking up her pen to urge the Continental Congress to consider women’s rights and protections when drafting laws for the newly independent United States.

And this was just the beginning. More than a century later, through the courage and perseverance of generations of remarkable women, we continue to see the results of collective action, advocacy, and progress toward gender equality. For over one hundred years, the IWD movement and its supporters have helped drive transformative change. With growing support over time, each generation has built on the courage of those before it, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible.

Today, millions of people around the world continue to strengthen the IWD movement and advance progress toward its goals.

Imagine a Gender-Equal World

“Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality.” — InternationalWomensDay.com

CFUW Perth & District Supports International Women’s Day

In honour of International Women’s Day, CFUW Perth & District is presenting a special screening of the National Film Board documentary The Nest.

The film will be followed by a presentation from special guest speaker Rajnish Sharma, hosted in partnership with the Zonta Club of Kanata-Stittsville. Rajnish Sharma is a Program Coordinator with Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO), a community-based agency dedicated to supporting immigrant and racialized women as they navigate life in Canada. A short question period will follow the presentation.

Date and Time: March 8, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Studio Theatre Perth, 63 Gore St E, Perth, ON K7H 1H8, Canada

Tickets: donation of $15 suggested — cash or tap at the door

Proceeds from this event will support Lanark County Interval House, a registered charity that provides emergency shelter and ongoing programs for women and children living with or escaping domestic violence.

The Nest — Not Just Another Haunted House Story

When writer Julietta Singh returns to her childhood home near the end of her mother’s life, she uncovers the stories of generations of women who lived in the house — their personalities, their struggles, and ultimately their powerful legacies.

Early in the film, Julietta notes that the house — now recognized as a historic site in Winnipeg — is officially commemorated because it once belonged to a wealthy banker, and that “this single history supersedes all its other histories.”

This observation underscores one of the film’s most profound themes: the erasure of the experiences and contributions of the women who lived in the house over the past 140 years, yet have largely been forgotten by history.

The Nest is a deeply moving film that explores important philosophical and social issues affecting many viewers — the death of a parent, aging, activism, raising children to be agents of change, the marginalization of immigrants and people with disabilities, and the underrated role of women in history.

There is no doubt that this film is thought-provoking. Its messages resonate deeply and invite reflection, encouraging audiences to consider new perspectives.

Help End Period Poverty — Donations Welcome

As part of our commitment to supporting women and gender equity in our community, we invite attendees to bring donations of period products to help address period poverty. Items collected will be shared between The Table Community Food Centre and Lanark County Interval House & Community Support to support individuals who may struggle to access these essential supplies.

Donations of unopened menstrual products — including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and liners — are greatly appreciated. Together, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the basic necessities they deserve.