On March 7, 2008, I was honoured to join the Honourable Margarett Best, Councillor Sandra Bussin, and Acting Chief Jane Dick at an International Women’s Day event at Toronto Police Headquarters.
Here is an excerpt from my speech:
It is a pleasure to greet you all today on behalf of the Toronto Police Services Board, as we gather to celebrate a very important event, the International Women’s Day.
This day is a celebration of the collective power of women past, present and future. On this day, every year, we remind ourselves of the social, economic and political barriers faced by women worldwide, while recognizing the tremendous achievements of women in virtually every part of the world. International Women’s Day has thus become a day to celebrate the great distance that humanity has travelled in improving the status of women, and to re-dedicate to the long journey that yet remains to be completed.
Canada's theme this year, Strong Women: Strong World, draws in part from one of the fundamental beliefs underlying the modern women's movement, that "a woman's place in society marks the level of civilization of that society."
Marilyn Waring, the New Zealand feminist, academic and politician, shows in her works that it is not women alone who have suffered and lost because they are yet to occupy their rightful place, but societies themselves. On this day, we do well to remember Waring’s wonderful phrase, “counterfeit equality,” as a salutary reminder that true, genuine equality will only come when women truly counted.
To say this is by no means to disregard or discount women’s many achievements as leaders, policy-makers, caregivers, educators, and international peacemakers. Examples of women playing such vital roles can be found everywhere, including in our communities and in the Toronto Police Service.
It is in recognition of just such achievements that awards will be given today to two Service members, civilian and uniform, on behalf of all of the female members who received Service awards in 2007. These awards are a symbol of the Board’s commitment that true and genuine equality for women is an important organizational priority.
Today, plaques will also be presented to Ms. Florence Wong and Ms. Talat Muinuddin, two community members who have given tirelessly to improve the lives of others.
There are countless women in this city who contribute so much every day. In honouring Florence and Talat, we honour each and every one of these magnificent women. We thank them for their gift of time, their incredible energy and their compassion. To echo the theme of this event, strong women create a strong world. Closer to home, they create a strong community, a strong workplace, a strong police service.
From celebrating the work and contribution of women like today’s honourees, we take hope that change is not only necessary, but is on its way.
Today, we renew our determination to hasten the arrival of that change by remembering the immortal words of Mother Jones who said: “Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living.”
Thank you.
Here is an excerpt from my speech:
It is a pleasure to greet you all today on behalf of the Toronto Police Services Board, as we gather to celebrate a very important event, the International Women’s Day.
This day is a celebration of the collective power of women past, present and future. On this day, every year, we remind ourselves of the social, economic and political barriers faced by women worldwide, while recognizing the tremendous achievements of women in virtually every part of the world. International Women’s Day has thus become a day to celebrate the great distance that humanity has travelled in improving the status of women, and to re-dedicate to the long journey that yet remains to be completed.
Canada's theme this year, Strong Women: Strong World, draws in part from one of the fundamental beliefs underlying the modern women's movement, that "a woman's place in society marks the level of civilization of that society."
Marilyn Waring, the New Zealand feminist, academic and politician, shows in her works that it is not women alone who have suffered and lost because they are yet to occupy their rightful place, but societies themselves. On this day, we do well to remember Waring’s wonderful phrase, “counterfeit equality,” as a salutary reminder that true, genuine equality will only come when women truly counted.
To say this is by no means to disregard or discount women’s many achievements as leaders, policy-makers, caregivers, educators, and international peacemakers. Examples of women playing such vital roles can be found everywhere, including in our communities and in the Toronto Police Service.
It is in recognition of just such achievements that awards will be given today to two Service members, civilian and uniform, on behalf of all of the female members who received Service awards in 2007. These awards are a symbol of the Board’s commitment that true and genuine equality for women is an important organizational priority.
Today, plaques will also be presented to Ms. Florence Wong and Ms. Talat Muinuddin, two community members who have given tirelessly to improve the lives of others.
There are countless women in this city who contribute so much every day. In honouring Florence and Talat, we honour each and every one of these magnificent women. We thank them for their gift of time, their incredible energy and their compassion. To echo the theme of this event, strong women create a strong world. Closer to home, they create a strong community, a strong workplace, a strong police service.
From celebrating the work and contribution of women like today’s honourees, we take hope that change is not only necessary, but is on its way.
Today, we renew our determination to hasten the arrival of that change by remembering the immortal words of Mother Jones who said: “Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living.”
Thank you.
