SOUMIS
DWAO Halifax to host International Women’s Day event at CFB Halifax
By Margaret Conway,
Base PAO
The Defence Women’s Advisory Organization (DWAO) Halifax will bring members of the local Defence Team together to discuss women’s challenges and successes in the workforce during an International Women’s Day (IWD) event at CFB Halifax on March 8. This year’s IWD theme, #BalanceforBetter, is all about building a gender-balanced world in which everyone has a part to play – all the time, everywhere.
“To achieve the powerful benefits of true diversity, inclusivity and gender equality, it is important that everyone in the Defence community be active in the conversation. One way to demonstrate your commitment is to attend this premier event,” says Capt(N) Dave Benoit, Champion for the Atlantic DWAO. The local IWD event will take place from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Tribute Tower (Mr. Mac’s – room #144) and will feature keynote speaker Karen Hutt, CEO of Nova Scotia Power, and a panel discussion led by female Defence Team members, both military and civilian. Representatives from local charities and CAF/DND organizations such as Health Promotion Services and The Marguerite Centre will also be on hand to provide information to attendees.
“It’s vitally important that our entire Defence community–including women, men and those of all gender identities–be involved in the discussion around women’s experiences at work,” explains LCdr Dawn MacDonald, military co-chair of DWAO Halifax. “This event is really about highlighting how women have navigated their careers as military members and public servants, and where there might be room for improvement that can be of benefit to everyone,” adds DWAO Halifax civilian co-chair, Holly Scothorn.
A collection box will be available at the IWD event for those wishing to donate full, unopened boxes of feminine hygiene products to local organizations including The Marguerite Centre, Adsum for Women & Children and the H&R MFRC. The collection of tampons, sanitary napkins (pads), menstrual cups, cloth menstrual pads and period panties will be registered with Dignity. Period., a local campaign that helps supply menstrual hygiene products to people across Nova Scotia who struggle to afford or access the supplies they need. Those who donate at the event will be entered into a draw for a Google Home Mini.
About the DWAO
The DWAO works to identify systemic barriers to women in the CAF and DND. DWAO Halifax works to provide a local network for military and civilian members of the Defence Team to raise ideas, provide support, mentorship and education on women’s challenges and successes.
For more information on DWAO Halifax or to become involved, you can request to join the DWAO Halifax Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1832247323461580/) or email the co-chairs at +DWAO-Halifax@CFB Halifax@Halifax
For more information on International Women’s Day 2019, please visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/IWD2019.
