On March 6th, 2014, the YWCA of Calgary hosted our first CELEBRATE event, in honour of International Women’s Day. Calgary’s best and brightest gathered for a fun night of drinks and appetizers at Belgo Brasserie to CELEBRATE the many unique and extraordinary women in Calgary, across the country and around the world! Over 50 people came together to celebrate how far women have come, as well as acknowledge and advocate for women who continue to struggle with equality challenges. Clients we see at the YWCA are challenged by inequality in pay, obstacles related to poverty, access to appropriate housing as well as family violence. We need to build strong relationships that will allow women to continue to take strides forward in a safe and equal society. International Women’s Day Fast Facts 

• The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than one million women and men showed their support by participating in public events.
• In 1977, the United Nations adopted a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day.
• International Women’s Day is an official holiday in 27 countries.