It's a running joke that women get excited about pockets in a dress or other item of clothing, and as International Women's Day approaches, a Collingwood councillor has publicly declared her support of pockets.
Coun. Kathy Jeffery was one of three speakers during a flag raising today (March 6) at the Collingwood Public Library ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, which is where she shared a poem about pockets by Sharon Owens.
The poem begins with the idea that women were not allowed pockets in case they "carried leaflets to spread sedition ... a grandiose word for common sense, fairness, kindness, equality."
Finishing on a call of action, Jeffery and the poem urged "So ladies, start sewing dangerous coats made of pockets and sedition."
This year's International Women's Day theme is accelerating action to bring about equality faster.
"The path to gender equality has been long and challenging," said Jeffery. "The first International Women's Day was more than 100 years ago in 1911 ... supported by over one million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland."
She said the strides made for women and gender parity are worth celebrating.
"Everyone has a role to play in making a more gender-balanced world," said Jeffery. "If we continue at the current pace, it will take until 2058 to achieve gender parity."
Following Jeffery's remarks and words from Deputy Mayor Tim Fryer and My Friend's House Executive Director Alison FitzGerald, the flag for International Women's Day in Collingwood was raised on the town flag pole outside the Collingwood public library.
Collingwood's International Women's Day includes the following:
5x5 Panel Discussion: Voices of Change
Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street
Tickets: $15 available at Ticketscene
Celebrate International Women’s Day with an engaging panel discussion featuring six remarkable local changemakers who are leading the charge in creating supportive communities for women. They will share their personal journeys, insights, and actionable steps to advance gender equity and #AccelerateAction.
Panelists:
- Kim Turley-Smith: Women’s Wellness Leader & Educator
- Amanda Jerome: Wedding Industry Leader & Mindset Mentor
- Pike Krpan: Firefighter & Advocate for Women in the Fire Service
- Janene Johnson: Content Creator & Social Media Strategist
- Amanda Wilson-Ciocci: Best-Selling Author & Entrepreneurial Coach
- Michele Smeh: Women’s Health & Fitness Advocate (Panel Moderator)
The evening will also feature readings by Collingwood Poet Laureate, Jillian Morris, and a performance by local musical duo Motes & Oats. Gather with friends and community following the event with good conversation and food from Low Down.
Celebrate Women-Led Businesses
The Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area will showcase the incredible women-led businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of our downtown core. Look for "Woman Behind the Business" posters throughout downtown, highlighting the inspiring stories of our female entrepreneurs.
For additional details on International Women’s Day, visit www.collingwood.ca/IWD