International Women’s Day: What's happening across U of T's three campuses

International Women’s Day on March 8 is an opportunity to come together to celebrate women’s social, cultural and political accomplishments – and to reflect on the challenges and work that lie ahead.

This year’s theme is Embrace Equity, which aims to spark conversations around the world about why equal opportunities aren’t enough and how true inclusion requires equitable action.

U of T is hosting events across the three campuses featuring inspirational leaders and student groups. Here is a snapshot of what’s happening this week:

Jazz and Justice: Transformative, Equitable Futures in Music

The Faculty of Music is holding a panel discussion on the pathway for equitable futures in music with faculty Dean Ellie Hisama, Beth Coleman, an associate professor at the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology at U of T Mississauga, and Grammy award-winning jazz artist Terri Lyne Carrington. The event is on March 6 at 3 p.m. inside Walter Hall on the St. George campus.

Crowns for Change: Flower Crowns

The International Student Centre (ISC) at U of T Scarborough invites students to make a beautiful flower crown, take photos with new friends and learn more about powerful female leaders who are making a difference around the world. The event takes place on March 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Highland Hall Event Centre.  

Learning Technology Systems in Everyday Life: Women’s Experiences Navigating Refugee Resettlement

Negin Dahya, assistant professor at the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology at U of T Mississauga, is participating in the Lecture Me series, which highlights research from different faculty at U of T Mississauga. The virtual event will take place on March 7 from 7 to 8:15 p.m.

International Women’s Day Webinar

The Faculty of Law is hosting a panel discussion moderated by the Women and Law student group on March 8 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The event features U of T alumnae Cherie Brant, national leader for the Indigenous law group at Borden Ladner Gervais, Rita Maxwell, a judge on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and Maria Zeldis, senior vice president legal at Onni Group of Companies.

Pitch with a Twist

Part of U of T’s Entrepreneurship Week, U of T Mississauga’s ICUBE incubator is hosting Pitch with a Twist, International Women’s Day edition on March 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at U of T Mississauga in the IMI Rotunda. The event features U of T alumna Lesley Hampton, an Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer, as a keynote speaker and provides an opportunity for women-identifying entrepreneurs to pitch early-stage ventures to a panel of women-identifying judges from a variety of sectors.

She Moves: A Conference with Motion

The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education is inviting all women-identifying students to participate in MoveU, an evening of physical activity, wellness and discussion. The event takes place on March 8 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Athletic Centre on the St. George campus.

Empower the Leader Within

U of T Scarborough is hosting a panel discussion with inspiring executives about their career journeys, the challenges they’ve navigated and their hope for future leaders. The event takes place on March 8 from 5 to 7:30 pm. at the Instructional Centre.

Event in Solidarity with Iranian Women

In collaboration with the Iranian Scholars for Liberty, the U of T Students for a Free Iran (UTSFI) are holding an event on March 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to show their support for women in Iran. The event will take place at the Galbraith Building in Room 220 on the St. George campus and is open to the community.

International Women’s Day Celebration: Women, Life, Liberty

The Iranian Women Organization of Ontario, U of T’s The Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Royal Ontario Museum are holding an event to reflect on women’s empowerment and leadership in Iran and the Middle East. The event takes place on March 8 from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at the Eaton Theatre at the ROM.

Inspire: Breaking Down Barriers to Success

Part of U of T’s Entrepreneurship Week, there will be a discussion with U of T Scarborough alumna Fennella Bruce, veteran television producer and host and media consultant, and Elina Chow, CEO of JotTech. The event takes place on March 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Hub in Highland Hall.

International Women’s Day: Reproductive Rights and Faith

The Multi-Faith Centre on the St. George campus is hosting an event to explore how gender rights, justice and spirituality are connected on March 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Activity Hall. The event features a panel discussion, a dinner and an opportunity to network.

Category: Woman, Film Screening and Panel Discussion

U of T's Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education and the Cinema Studies Institute in the Faculty of Arts & Science are hosting a screening of Category: Woman on March 8 at 7 p.m. at Innis Town Hall Theatre. There will be a panel discussion and a Q&A featuring filmmaker Phyllis Ellis following the screening.

Terri Lyne Carrington in Concert with U of T Jazz Orchestra

The Faculty of Music is hosting a concert with drummer, composer and producer Terri Lyne Carrington on March 8 at 7:30 at Walter Hall. Carrington, the founder and artistic director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice in Boston, will perform with the U of T jazz orchestra. U of T students are admitted free with a valid TCard, space permitting.