In 1908, thousands of women marched in New York City for better labor laws, conditions, and the right to vote.  Women continued to gather annually until the day was formally honored on March 8, 1911. 

Here in the Comox Valley, women have come together to celebrate the day since at least the early 1970’s and CVT S has sponsored many IWD gatherings over the years. 

Although COVID makes it impossible for us to gather in person this year, in the spirit of Canada’s IWD theme of #FeministRecovery, we are celebrating the remarkable women of CVTS who, despite a pandemic and the attendant risks, have ensured that women and their children fleeing violence continue to find a safe harbour, that women grappling with substance use continue to access recovery services, that counselling services are not interrupted, that victims are supported, and that our unsheltered and hungry community members are housed and fed. 

As one of our staff recently said, “I’m proud to work with a group of women who, when they hear ‘Fire!’, don’t run away but rather run towards the fire to see how they can help.” 

We wish all of our staff, volunteers and supporters a Happy International Women’s Day and we join you in working towards a #FeministRecovery.