Ernest Stores Celebrate Women's Day

As you know, March 8th marks the International Women's Rights Day. At Ernest, even though we work on men's elegance and style, we fully embrace the values of this global event and encourage each of our customers, regardless of age, to celebrate women on this special day and treat them as equals at all times.

WHAT IS WOMEN'S DAY ?

The industrialized world witnessed significant upheavals at the beginning of the 20th century. Thus, Women's Day originated from various demonstrations, including labour struggles for women's suffrage in North America and Europe. Over the years, many countries have gradually started to establish Women's Days. It was in 1977 that the United Nations (UN) adopted a resolution to invite all countries to dedicate March 8th to celebrating women's rights. Today, it is honoured worldwide.

The aim of International Women's Day is simple : to recognize and highlight women's achievements (e.g., social, economic, cultural, and political). It is also an opportunity to raise societal awareness about the progress made towards gender equality and all that remains to be accomplished to achieve it.

A REMINDER OF INEQUALITIES

Some might think that gender equality has been achieved in Canada. After all, women can vote, study, work, etc., right ? The reality could be more shiny. Indeed, even here, women remain disadvantaged on several fronts, for example:

- They earn lower wages than men for equivalent work;

- They have greater family responsibilities;

- They mostly sacrifice their careers to take care of children (lack of childcare spaces, illness, etc.).

Elsewhere in the world, millions of girls and women are denied access to education and adequate healthcare. Moreover, the prohibition of abortion and the lack of contraception in some states lead to disastrous consequences in the lives of many women. Finally, women have less access to employment and are more likely to live in poverty.

TIMES ARE CHANGING... MINDSETS TOO

Fortunately, attitudes are gradually changing regarding the role and place of women in our society. Every small step towards equality shows hope for shaping a future where everyone can flourish and live safely.


Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

THEMES FOR 2024 WOMEN'S DAY

Each year, themes are chosen to highlight March 8th :

- In 2024, the UN theme is to end gender-based violence through adequate financing;

- The Government of Canada's theme is "Investing in Women : Accelerating the Pace";

- The theme of the Quebec Council on the Status of Women is "Equality at Heart. A Quebec Proud of its Values."

Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

THESE WOMEN WE ADMIRE IN CANADA

Many Canadian and Quebecois women are changing perceptions and the place of women in 2024. Just think of Farah Alibay, an aerospace engineer at NASA, Michelle O'Bonsawin, the first Indigenous judge on the Supreme Court of Canada, or Caroline Côté, an adventurer who reached the South Pole alone in record time - among other achievements !

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash