International Women's Day

Green and pink text on a white upper third of the button over a photograph of three women holding a green dollar sign on a black background

International Women’s Day (IWD) was first celebrated nationally in the U.S. in 1909 and then internationally in 1911 on March 19. Later recorded celebrations have it taking place near the end of February. The official date, March 8, was first celebrated during International Women’s year in 1975 by the United Nations.

The phrase “Pay Equity” pictured on the button refers to the gender wage gap. Historically women have continually made less per hour than men for the same work. This has been addressed over time and the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) formed in 1979 as a result. Also pictured on the button is the Public Service Alliance of Canada (Alliance de la Fonction publique du Canada) logo. This is a union that currently represents federal service workers across Canada.