Celebrate International Women’s Day at V!VA Barrhaven
Published on March 4, 2022
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Well-behaved women rarely make history”. International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8th, is a reminder of all of the women throughout history who have left long-lasting and inspirational legacies for future generations. This is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments, bravery, and resilience of female scientists, writers, artists, politicians, and so much more. From well-known and extraordinary historical figures to everyday hardworking individuals, International Women’s Day celebrates what it means to be a woman in every shape and form.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is aptly titled: “Break the Bias,” a sentiment that applies to women of all ages, creeds, and cultural backgrounds. If you’re looking for activity ideas for women’s day that seniors can participate in, then you’ve come to the right place!
Visit Retirement Homes in Barrhaven
It doesn’t necessarily matter if you actually know anyone living in a retirement home in Barrhaven. Socialization is an important part of senior living in Barrhaven because it helps keep the mind sharp and spirits up. Spending quality time getting to know different senior women or even with those who are already in your life is a great way to honour these women. Ask them to reminisce about their lives as you flip through old photographs together. Remembering the good old days and taking a stroll down memory lane is also highly beneficial for older women living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive disorders.
Wear Purple Clothing to Commemorate Women’s Day
Purple is the colour worn around the world to honour International Women’s Day. It started with the suffragists who picketed at the White House in the early 1900s to fight for gender equality. They donned sashes and held purple, white, and gold banners with various messaging on the front as they marched. The now iconic shade of dark purple was chosen because it’s “the colour of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause”, according to a 1913 article published in The Suffragist. Many suffragists who were fighting for the right to vote also donned white outfits to signify moral purity and counteract arguments made by opposing movements that stated they were morally depraved.
Celebrate the Women in Your Family
International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating large achievements of historical figures. It can and absolutely should also acknowledge the accomplishments of women in your life. It could be about anything from celebrating major life milestones, to a single mother raising her children on her own, or a woman starting her own business and facing immense challenges.
It doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture, though. Sometimes using a special occasion to simply let someone know how much they mean to you is enough. Tell the women in your life how much they’ve inspired you to be the absolute best version of yourself and given you the means to achieve your own goals.
Treat them to a special meal, outing, or activity that you can all enjoy together. The point is to spend quality time together and do something that’s meaningful to your group.
Read about or Tell Inspiring Women’s Stories
There’s nothing more inspirational than looking back and learning about some of the biggest trailblazers throughout history. International Women’s Day isn’t just a day to march in the streets. It’s also an opportunity to educate yourself and others about the plight of women in the past, their achievements, the roads they’ve paved for current generations, and obstacles that women still face.
Reading the stories of these inspirational women can help put things into perspective and serve as a reminder that even though we’ve come a long way thus far, there’s still much work to be done to achieve full equality. Education is the key to understanding the steps that need to be taken to make a real global impact that benefits women in all countries. Listening to the stories of women and learning from their experiences, beliefs, and accomplishments can help give current and future generations a strong foothold on creating a more inclusive world for all girls and women.
Create an International Women’s Day Playlist
Since its release in 1972, Helen Reddy’s melodic anthem, “I am Woman” has been used as a proclamation of female empowerment and a call to bring about social change at countless rallies and Women’s Day events around the globe. In 2017, Reddy performed the song live at the International Women’s Day March in Los Angeles. Although this is arguably one of the most iconic songs about female empowerment, there are other similarly themed songs that perfectly illustrate women’s experiences:
- “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain
- “Roar” by Katy Perry
- “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore
- “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child
- “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
- “Ms. Independent” by Kelly Clarkson
- “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce
- “Just a Girl” by No Doubt
- “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
- “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan
- “Express Yourself” by Madonna
- “This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride
- “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross
The list goes on and on. Those are just some of the most well-known and critically acclaimed feminist anthems that perpetuate positive female-forward messaging.
Attend a Local Women’s Day Event
Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world. There’s no better way honour the women that have come before you and who will come after you than attending a march or event in your area. Join a local Women’s Day group or if there are no events planned in your city, then you can take action and organize one yourself.
Women’s Day Activities at V!VA Barrhaven
V!VA Retirement Communities is committed to making retirement living in Barrhaven as inclusive, enjoyable, and affordable for all of our Community Members. We provide a variety of senior living and care options including:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Respite care
Every year, we organize different events to commemorate and celebrate the contributions of women to important fields including science, the arts, and so much more. Check here for upcoming Women’s Day events happening at V!VA Retirement Communities locations across Ontario.
