Message from the Defence Co-Champions for Women on International Women’s Day

March 7, 2025 – Defence Stories

Team,

On March 8 we mark International Women’s Day, and as Co-Champions for Women, we invite you all to celebrate what we have accomplished so far. We also encourage you to have meaningful discussions about where we still need to go as an organization, and what you, as an individual, can do to help us get there. Together, we can create an environment where all our best ideas flourish, and where we encourage each other to be our best selves.

This year’s Government of Canada theme, “Strength in every story”, focuses on how all women’s voices, including those of diverse women and gender-diverse individuals, contribute to a stronger and more inclusive economy for all. It is an especially appropriate theme for the women of the Defence Team, as not only do we make a significant contribution to Canada’s economic growth, but we strengthen our institution by promoting change within the Department and the Canadian Armed Forces.

We have shown our strength, both as individuals and jointly, but we must be even stronger because our work is far from done. This year’s theme also speaks to the need to invest in those often left behind. We must put a renewed focus on the barriers that prevent us from achieving a fully inclusive work environment. To do this, it’s important we continue having these important conversations at all levels, in order to achieve a work environment that is effective and engages everyone.

As your Co-Champions, we will once again be hosting a virtual / in person discussion panel on Monday, March 10. You can expect a lively conversation, celebrating the positive impacts of inclusive initiatives that have rolled out over the past year. We invite you to join us, and we hope that your participation will inspire you to push for greater inclusion, for yourself and others. If you’re not able to attend in person, a video link will be made available during the next few days.

As many of you know, Canada is a world leader in both the proportion of women and gender-diverse individuals in its military and the areas in which we can serve. Women’s involvement in the Canadian military has long been an important part of our identity. Today, women and gender-diverse individuals serve with distinction in all occupations within the Department of National Defence, as civilians and as Canadian Armed Forces members, including on combat operations. Inclusion is a Canadian value and one we take seriously.

Pushing against the challenges that face women and gender-diverse members of the Defence Team is not only the right thing to do, but it will make the Canadian Armed Forces a more effective fighting force. This International Women’s Day, we hope you find inspiration and support, as we strive for a more equitable outcome for all, at home and abroad.