THUNDER BAY – When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.
That is the theme of International Women’s Day, which may have started in New York City on February 28, 1909 and was called National Woman’s Day by the Socialist Party of America.
Jaimie Mintenko, who took on the role of associate director of Lakehead University Athletics last December, said she’s been very fortunate to have a lot of women mentors since beginning on the administrative side of the university in 2017.
“From when I first started with the university, we have generally seen more women in similar roles increasing over time,” Mintenko said.
“Just knowing that we have the support of the upper administration here at Lakehead and also those with Ontario University Athletics has been great.”
The United Nations designated March 8 as International Women’s Day shortly after recognizing 1975 as International Women’s Year.
Lindsay Martin is the executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society Northwestern Ontario, which supports and advocates for women, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender diverse people in prison, those transitioning back into the community, and those at risk of criminalization.
“We now have the ability to not just focus on those who were incarcerated, but really are able to put in some good supports in regards to reintegrating them back into the community with some designated staff to do that work specifically,” Martin said.
“We have also created a few housing projects within the city that are low barrier for women and gender diverse people, which gives them a softer place to land.
“We have outreach workers and individuals who are working within that housing program who are assisting individuals with referrals and getting them into programs for income support, family reunification as well as moving on to more independent housing options for them.”
Another organization that assists women, PARO, launched in 1995 as a not-for-profit social enterprise, which helps empower women, strengthen small business, and promote community economic development across Ontario.
Program developer Maria Talarico said the organization has made efforts to meet their members wherever they are.
“We have a mobile program called Paro on Wheels, which brings our team members out to women in the communities,” Talarico said.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded our use of technology to ensure that women could still access the necessary supports that were needed around that time. That has greatly increased the access for women.”
When it comes to what International Women’s Day means to the three leaders, Talarico said: “It’s an important day to honour and recognize the achievements and contributions of women as entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities. It also provides women with a platform to come together and network and empower each other.”
Martin said: “This is a day when women and those who identify as women can gather in solidarity to celebrate their graces and how far we have come to gain equality within the world. It’s also a day to uplift those voices and amplify them so future generations see the work that's being done and can perhaps join the alliance to fight for equity and equality.”
The day also means a lot to Mintenko.
“I have been so fortunate and blessed to have not only have female role models in my life but also the support of the men in my life who encourage me to be me and continue my growth," she said.
“It's important to take the time to recognize women and what they want to do in the future, and support their growth. Hopefully I can one day be a role model to the younger generation.”
