Today, as the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Canada and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario joined the global celebration with a vibrant array of events, uniting local leaders, Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), city councillors, community organizations, and seniors’ groups to honor women’s achievements and push for gender equity. From Brampton to Scarborough, the GTA showcased its commitment to accelerating action for women’s empowerment, safety, and success under this year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action.”
In Brampton, Charmaine Williams, MPP for Brampton Centre and Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, attended the 3rd Annual International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Honey Church Family Life Resource Centre (FLRC). The event, a gathering of community advocates and survivors, spotlighted women’s resilience and the fight against violence.
“I had the privilege of joining the incredible team at Honey Church Family Life Resource Centre for their 3rd Annual International Women’s Day celebration,” said Williams. “It was an inspiring gathering filled with powerful stories, community support, and a shared commitment to accelerating action for women’s safety, empowerment, and success. I’m dedicated to ensuring that every woman in Ontario has the resources and opportunities to thrive! Thank you to the organizers, leaders, and all the incredible women who continue to uplift and inspire.”
The FLRC event featured storytelling sessions, resource-sharing, and a call to action against gender-based violence, drawing seniors’ groups and local advocates into the fold.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos of Wards 1 and 5 represented Brampton at the Brampton Board of Trade’s InspiHER gala, a marquee IWD event celebrating women in business and leadership. The evening honored Kiki Ferrari of William Osler Health System with the Naseem Somani Memorial Award for Leadership Excellence.
“Happy #IWD! So many events to celebrate and #accelerateaction this week,” Santos shared. “I had a wonderful time at the Brampton Board of Trade’s InspiHER gala. Congratulations to the incredible Kiki Ferrari of Osler Health—it was wonderful to see so many friends this week at the gala, pushing for a more equitable future.”
The gala, attended by over 200 community and business leaders, featured a keynote from Marlow founders and a panel of trailblazing women, reinforcing Brampton’s role as a hub of inspiration.
Voices from GTA Leaders
Across the GTA, MPs and community figures amplified the IWD message:
- Maninder Sidhu, MP for Brampton East: “I’m grateful to be surrounded by incredible women who inspire me every day. Let’s celebrate the amazing women in our lives—today and always! From mothers to leaders, their strength drives our communities forward.”
- Kamal Khera, MP for Brampton West and Minister: “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s unstoppable spirit and renew our fight for equity. In Brampton and across Canada, our government is accelerating action—investing in childcare, cracking down on gender-based violence, and lifting women into leadership. Together, we build a stronger, fairer future.”
- Gian Paul, Chairperson of Flower City Friends Club: “Today, we honor the women who shape our GTA communities with grace and grit. At Flower City Friends Club, we’re proud to support seniors and families in celebrating women’s contributions—past, present, and future.”
- Mayor Patrick Brown, City of Brampton: “Brampton’s women are the heartbeat of our city. On IWD 2025, we’re not just celebrating—we’re acting. From supporting women-owned businesses to championing safety and opportunity, we’re building a Brampton where every woman thrives.”
- Beyond Brampton, the GTA buzzed with IWD activity. In Toronto, the IWD rally and march kicked off at 11 a.m. at the OISE Auditorium (252 Bloor St. W.), drawing crowds to Nathan Phillips Square by 1 p.m. Scarborough saw community groups and seniors’ organizations host workshops, while Mississauga’s local leaders joined arts and advocacy events. The involvement of MPs like Maninder Sidhu and Kamal Khera, alongside city councillors and MPPs like Charmaine Williams, highlighted a unified push across all government levels.
Seniors’ groups, such as the Flower City Friends Club, played a key role, hosting intergenerational panels to bridge past struggles with future ambitions. Community organizations like the Brampton Women’s Advisory Committee and the Toronto Drop-In Network also contributed, offering spaces for dialogue and action.
Today’s celebrations underscored progress—like Canada’s investments in gender equity and Ontario’s leadership in women’s economic empowerment—while acknowledging the work ahead. With leaders like Williams, Sidhu, Santos, Khera, Paul, and Brown at the helm, the GTA is poised to accelerate action, ensuring women’s voices lead the charge for change.