February, 2022 and perspectives required to advocate for gender equality Culture and language, however dividing, is a critical point authentically. of focus to address gender equality in Canada. Canada is Historically, the efforts and work of women to establish the haven for countries globally struggling with political Women’s Day internationally have predominantly been instability, corruption, economic crises, civil unrest, poverexperienced in Western countries. Beginning in New York, ty, and violence. Notwithstanding the political, social, and the idea then moved to Germany, Finland, Denmark, Switeconomic issues felt by Canada, its current situation is most zerland, Austria, the UK, Russia, and other Euoften considered preferable compared to The most ropean countries. However, the beginnings of most countries. As a result, Canada has a significant barrier an “international” Women’s Day only became unique role in accepting and accommodatto achieving apparent in 2021 with the holiday adoption ing migrants and establishing a foundation genuine efforts in countries such as Eritrea, Zambia, Uganda, for including diverse experiences, cultures, toward gender equality is power Laos, Madagascar, and other countries outside and languages into gender equality. imbalance of North America and Western and Central EuThus, the steps toward achieving incluleading to the rope. sive discussions of gender equality are not prioritization of simple or laid out. It is up to those in power some voices over others. Empowering All Women and those who hold power in their comWomen in Canada need to expand the munities to empower Canadian women. scope of their rights to achieve success. As a multicultural The most significant barrier to achieving genuine efforts country, Canada is not uniformly fair to women. It is espetoward gender equality is power imbalance - leading to the cially true for women who have immigrated to Canada or prioritization of some voices over others. This year’s Womhave established generations of women with ties to other en’s Day must recognize multicultural Canadian women countries, cultures, and languages. As Canada continues to - not as tokens but as transformative leaders and revolugrow, a greater need for diversity and inclusion is needed in tionaries. These efforts have and will continue to transform discussions of gender equality. Canadian politics, culture, and society.
Remembering MANDLA ZATCHA YOUALEUMBOMBACK “IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A GREAT PERSON.” Mandla’s Foundation is a non-profit organization created in memory of Mandla Zatcha Youaleu-Mbomback, a 12-year-old Fort Mcmurray girl, who lost her life in a tragic car accident in 2019. Mandla’s Foundation is the only organization to receive a proclamation to honour a child of African descent in Alberta, Canada. March 22nd was declared Mandla’s Day in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The 2nd edition of Mandla’s Day in 2022, will be marked by the launch of a program directed to children whose parents are experiencing financial hardship. Donations will be made to local organizations. LadiesCorner – Spring 2022
Mandla’s Foundation aims to provide help to alleviate suffering anywhere in the community. Efforts have been made to places such as Cameroon and Togo (Africa). The Foundation’s yearly projects are The Christmas Toys Giveaway with their partner Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, Mandla’s Day and Back to School. Mandla’s Foundation also aims to involve youths in community service and social activism. It’s important that the youth be inspired by their peers and work to promote a friendly and inclusive environment among themselves with Mandla’s motto which is: “It’s a great day to be a great person.”
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