Tag: BuildHerFuture

• Bridging Perspectives on International Women’s Day with a Global Reflection

  For most of history, ‘Anonymous’ was a woman

  -Virginia Woolf

  

  “What I didn´t have for myself, let it be for them.” (A poweful message carried by a woman during the 2020 Women´s March in Mexico City. A reminder that our fight is for the generations to come.”

  Every year, on March 8th, women around the world mark International Women’s Day (IWD). But how we experience and express this day varies greatly depending on where we come from. For many women in Latin America, Europe, and other parts of the world, March 8th is not a day of celebration—it is a day of protest, remembrance, and a collective demand for justice and equality. In contrast, in Canada, this day is often observed through messages of appreciation, recognition, and even well-meaning “Happy Women’s Day” greetings.

  For immigrant women, this contrast can feel unsettling. It may even create a disconnect between how we honor this day in our home countries and how it is perceived in our new community. But rather than dismissing these differences, there is an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, and mutual learning.

  A Day of Protest, Not Celebration

  Growing up in Mexico, IWD was not a day for flowers or kind words. It was a day for women to take to the streets, to march in solidarity, and to raise their voices against gender-based violence, femicide, and systemic injustices. It was a day when mothers searching for their missing daughters led protests, when activists demanded better protections for women, and when entire cities turned purple with banners, chants, and demonstrations.

  This is not unique to Mexico. Across Latin America, women use this day to make their struggles visible. In Spain, massive marches flood the streets. In Argentina, feminist movements demand reproductive rights. In Chile, performance art becomes a form of protest. This is what International Women’s Day means to us: a fight, a statement, a movement.

  The Canadian Perspective: Recognition and Appreciation

  Moving to Canada, I experienced something very different. Here, IWD is often marked by corporate luncheons, inspirational panels, and messages of encouragement for women’s achievements. People greet women with “Happy Women’s Day” as if it were a celebration, similar to Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.

  At first, this felt dissonant. How could this day, which in my experience was filled with pain, urgency, and activism, be treated so lightly? But over time, I came to understand that Canada, with its own social and historical context, has a different approach to gender issues. While challenges for women still exist here—such as the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership, and discrimination—Canada has made significant progress in gender equality compared to many other countries. This allows for a more reflective and appreciative tone on IWD rather than an urgent call for action.

  Building Bridges: How Can We Navigate These Differences?

  So, how do we, as immigrant women, navigate this difference in perspectives? How do we honor our own experiences while also engaging in the reality of the country we now call home?

  1. Educate, Don’t Condemn – Instead of reacting negatively when someone wishes us a “Happy Women’s Day,” we can use it as an opportunity for conversation. A simple, “Thank you! In my country, we see this day differently—it’s more about protest and activism” can open a meaningful dialogue.
  2. Share Our Stories – Many Canadians may not be aware of how IWD is observed in other parts of the world. By sharing our experiences—whether through conversations, social media, or community events—we can help build awareness and empathy.
  3. Engage Locally – While activism on IWD in Canada may look different, it does exist. Supporting women’s shelters, advocating for Indigenous women’s rights, and participating in discussions on workplace equity are ways we can contribute to change in our new home.
  4. Find Common Ground – Though the expressions of IWD differ, the core message remains the same: the fight for gender equality, safety, and dignity. Recognizing this common goal helps us connect across cultures.

  A Day for All Women

  International Women’s Day is not about receiving flowers or rejecting them. It is about understanding why we mark this day the way we do and respecting how others do as well. As immigrant women, we have the unique ability to bridge worlds, to bring global perspectives into local conversations, and to enrich our new communities with our lived experiences.

  So this March 8th, let’s not get frustrated by the differences—let’s use them to start meaningful conversations. Let’s bring our voices to the table, not just to be heard, but to create understanding. Because no matter where we come from, the fight for women’s rights is one that belongs to all of us.

  👉 Now, we want to hear from you! How is International Women’s Day observed in your home country? What does March 8th mean to you? Share your experiences in the comments or message us—we’d love to learn from each other and build a stronger, more connected community.

  7 de March de 2025

  #InternationalWomensDay, #IWD2025, #VoicesOfWomen, BuildHerFuture, CommunityBuilding, MigrantWomen, NewBeginnings, StrongerTogether, WomenEmpowerment, WomenSupportingWomen

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• Finding Ourselves in Others

  The Power of Community in a New Land

  Samantha Goode

  There is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.

  -Virginia Woolf

  

  Moving to a new country is an act of courage. It means stepping into the unknown, leaving behind familiarity, and embracing a world of uncertainty. But amid all the challenges, one thing remains constant: our deep human need to connect, belong and build something meaningful alongside others.

  When we arrive in a new land, everything feels different—new streets, customs, faces, and often, a new language. It is easy to feel lost and isolated as if we are navigating this journey alone. But we are not alone. Countless others share our stories—women who, like us, have left behind loved ones, careers, and dreams to start anew in Canada. And within these shared experiences, we can find strength, resilience, and the comfort of knowing that we are not the only ones forging this path.

  Community is not just about finding people who speak our language or share our culture. It is about recognizing ourselves in others, even when their backgrounds, traditions, or languages differ. It is about building bridges, not just between people who look like us or sound like us, but with those who, like us, are chasing a better future. Doing so creates a space where we all feel seen, heard, and understood.

  As migrant women, we have an incredible opportunity—to shape a new home for ourselves while strengthening the social fabric of this country. The friendships we build, the stories we share, and the support we offer one another can transform the way we experience migration. When we embrace diversity, we expand our world. When we foster connection, we grow stronger. And when we teach our children that no language, no culture, and no barrier is too great to overcome, we empower the next generation to live without fear of differences.

  Let’s not walk this journey alone. Let’s build a community where every woman knows she belongs, regardless of where she comes from. Because in the end, our new home is not just the place where we live—it is the people we choose to share it with.

  Five Strategies for Making First Connections in a New Environment

  Start with a Smile: A warm smile can break barriers even when words are difficult to find. It signals openness and friendliness, making it easier for others to approach you.

  Learn Key Phrases: Mastering a few simple greetings and expressions in the local language shows respect and effort and helps to bridge initial communication gaps.

  Ask Open-Ended Question: Encourage conversation by asking about others’ experiences, interests, and cultures. People appreciate genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn.

  Use Body Language: Gestures, eye contact, and nodding can help convey interest and understanding when words are limited.

  Join Community Activities: Participating in local groups, language exchanges, or social events provides natural opportunities to connect with others with similar experiences and goals.

  Closing Thought

  We are more than just individuals making our way through a foreign land. We are a community of strong, resilient women shaping a new future together. Every handshake, every shared story, and every moment of mutual understanding we create is a step toward a more inclusive and supportive world.

  Let’s embrace the beauty of diversity, stand side by side, and build a home within each other. Because no matter where we come from, together, we belong.

  19 de February de 2025

  BuildHerFuture, CommunityBuilding, MigrantWomen, NewBeginnings, StrongerTogether, WomenEmpowerment, WomenSupportingWomen

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