International Women’s Day highlights strengths in every story
March 7, in support of International Women’s Day, 14 Wing Greenwood’s Defence Women’s Advisory Organization, with local community partners, gathered to host a women-led celebration at the Annapolis Mess.
Accenting the achievements and accomplishments of women, the event featured women-centric kiosks and display tables, which included information on firefighting, health clinic resources, health and fitness, military families, support organizations, dance, therapy and more. The kiosks provided an excellent opportunity for guests to network, explore and engage with a variety of women-led initiatives throughout the community.
Listen on Youtube
Guest speaker Dr. Claudine Bonner, an associate professor at both Acadia University and Mount Allison University (where she holds a Canada Research Chair in Racial Justice and African Diaspora Migration in Atlantic Canada), a member of the Nova Scotia Women’s History Society – among other positions; came to Greenwood with a wealth of knowledge, accomplishment and experience. Bonner understands the significance of the International Women’s Day, viewing it as an “opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and the hard work that it took to achieve it.”
Keeping with this year’s 2025 International Women’s Day theme of “strength in every story,” Bonner shared her own personal experiences and endeavours, hoping others could relate to, learn from and, ultimately, be inspired by her path as they navigate their own journeys. Providing guidance, she helps others overcome their personal barriers and improve overall well-being, motivating, in particular, her students to “take action in order to create positive outcomes.” Many have gone on to achieve great things, becoming authors, community leaders, specialists, health advocates and more.
“There are many spaces where women are doing extremely well,” not only in Canada, but also around the world, she says. “It gives such joy and pride to see students and mentees go out and do great things in the world.”
As the presentation concluded, Bonner encouraged women to continue to progress, and to continue make positive contributions.
