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Remembering Mandla Zatcha Youaleu- Mbomback
and perspectives required to advocate for gender equality authentically.
Historically, the efforts and work of women to establish Women’s Day internationally have predominantly been experienced in Western countries. Beginning in New York, the idea then moved to Germany, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, the UK, Russia, and other European countries. However, the beginnings of an “international” Women’s Day only became apparent in 2021 with the holiday adoption in countries such as Eritrea, Zambia, Uganda, Laos, Madagascar, and other countries outside of North America and Western and Central Europe.
Empowering All Women
Women in Canada need to expand the scope of their rights to achieve success. As a multicultural country, Canada is not uniformly fair to women. It is especially true for women who have immigrated to Canada or have established generations of women with ties to other countries, cultures, and languages. As Canada continues to grow, a greater need for diversity and inclusion is needed in discussions of gender equality.
Culture and language, however dividing, is a critical point of focus to address gender equality in Canada. Canada is the haven for countries globally struggling with political instability, corruption, economic crises, civil unrest, poverty, and violence. Notwithstanding the political, social, and economic issues felt by Canada, its current situation is most often considered preferable compared to The most most countries. As a result, Canada has a significant barrier to achieving genuine efforts unique role in accepting and accommodating migrants and establishing a foundation toward gender for including diverse experiences, cultures, equality is power and languages into gender equality. imbalance - leading to the prioritization of Thus, the steps toward achieving inclusive discussions of gender equality are not some voices over simple or laid out. It is up to those in power others. and those who hold power in their communities to empower Canadian women. The most significant barrier to achieving genuine efforts toward gender equality is power imbalance - leading to the prioritization of some voices over others. This year’s Women’s Day must recognize multicultural Canadian women - not as tokens but as transformative leaders and revolutionaries. These efforts have and will continue to transform Canadian politics, culture, and society.
Remembering MANDLA ZATCHA YOUALEUMBOMBACK
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.
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.”
