March 8 marks International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme—Give to Gain—is a challenge to all of us. In Canada, we’re looking at how reciprocity—sharing knowledge, advocating for peers, and intentional mentorship—can accelerate gender equality.

From the leadership of Jennie Carignan (Canada's first female Chief of the Defence Staff) to the grassroots activism of climate leaders like Autumn Peltier, Canadian women are proving that when we "give" our voices to a cause, we all "gain" a better future.

Power Picks:

• Unbroken by Angela Sterritt: A powerful blend of memoir and investigation into the lives of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

• The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates: Perfect for the "Give to Gain" theme, focusing on how empowering women transforms whole societies.

• Vital Voices: 100 Women Using Their Power to Empower by Alyse Nelson: Global stories of leadership that resonate with senior students looking at post-secondary paths.

Expand Your Learning:

• The "Persons Case"

  • The Deep Dive: Research the 1929 Persons Case (Edwards v. Canada). This wasn't just about "being a person"—it was about the right for women to be appointed to the Senate.

  • The "Give to Gain" Angle: Analyze how the "Famous Five" collaborated. No single woman could have won this case alone; they pooled their resources and legal standing to "gain" a constitutional change for all future Canadian women.

  • Resource: Use the Library and Archives Canada digital vaults to view the original petition.