Good morning everyone, 

 On behalf of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to our International Women’s Day celebration. Thank you for taking the time to join us today as we come together in solidarity, reflection, and celebration. 

 This year’s theme is , “Give to Gain,” and it carries a simple but powerful message. It reminds us that when we give — whether it is our time, knowledge, compassion, advocacy, or resources — we do not lose. Instead, we gain stronger families, stronger communities, and a more equitable society. Giving creates impact. Giving builds trust. Giving transforms lives. 

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of women everywhere. But today, I want to especially recognize immigrant and racialized women — women who often navigate multiple and intersecting barriers while continuing to uplift their families and communities. 

At IWSO, we see this strength every single day. 

Many of the women who come to us arrive in Canada with hope and determination, but also with immense challenges. They may face language barriers, social isolation, unemployment, financial insecurity, discrimination, and sometimes experiences of gender-based violence. They navigate new systems — immigration processes, housing, employment, education — often without extended family or support networks. 

Yet despite these barriers, they persist. 

Through our Crisis and Counseling services, we support women who are experiencing gender-based violence by providing safety planning, crisis intervention, professional counseling, and therapeutic support. We create safe spaces where women can share their stories without judgment and begin the journey of healing. 

Through our settlement programs, we walk alongside women as they rebuild their lives in a new environment — helping them understand their rights, access services, improve language skills, and gain confidence in navigating Canadian systems. 

Through our employment and mentorship initiatives, we focus on economic independence. Because we know that when a woman gains financial stability, she gains choice, dignity, and long-term safety. Economic empowerment is not just about a job — it is about restoring control over one’s life. 

Through our language interpretation & translation services, we remove the language barrier that often stifles the advancement of newcomer women. 

But beyond the programs and services, what truly inspires us is the transformation we witness. 

We see women who once felt isolated become community leaders. 
We see survivors become mentors. 
We see mothers become advocates for their children’s education and wellbeing. 
We see women who once doubted themselves become confident professionals and entrepreneurs. 

Immigrant and racialized women are not just recipients of support — they are leaders, caregivers, innovators, and changemakers. They contribute immensely to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our city. 

And this is where this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” comes alive.  

When we give an immigrant woman access to language training, she gains confidence- and our community gains a stronger voice. 

When we give a newcomer woman employment support, she gains financial independence – and we gain a thriving family and a strengthened workforce. 

When we give a survivor of violence safety and counselling, she gains hope – and we gain resilience and the building of stable homes and society. 

When we give women respect and dignity, they create inclusive communities. 

We all gain. 

Many of the women who walk through the doors of IWSO arrive with extraordinary courage. They have crossed borders, left behind careers, families and familiar cultures. Some arrive seeking safety. Others arrive seeking opportunity. All arrive with potential.  

But potential alone is not enough. 

It takes community  

It takes partnership 

It takes intentional generosity for them to succeed. 

That being said, I would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to our partners and the community agencies participating today. Your collaboration strengthens our collective impact. No single organization can address the complex needs of women alone. It takes partnerships, coordination, and shared commitment. Thank you for standing with us and for the vital services you provide in our community. 

We are also deeply grateful to World Skills for collaborating with IWSO and supporting women’s economic empowerment. Thank you, World Skills, for being a strong ally for the empowerment of women. Together, we are helping women move from survival to stability, and from stability to success. 

My heartfelt thanks go to our planning committee and the entire IWSO and World Skills team as well as our awesome volunteers. Organizing events like this requires dedication, coordination, and passion. Your commitment reflects the spirit of “Give to Gain” — giving your time and energy so that our community can gather, connect, and celebrate. Thank you 

International Women’s Day is not only about celebration — it is also about reflection and action. 

It challenges us to ask: 
How can we give more intentionally? 
How can we remove barriers? 
How can we create systems that are more inclusive and equitable for immigrant and racialized women? 

Real change happens when communities come together. When service providers collaborate instead of competing. When leaders listen. When allies stand beside women. When we move from awareness to action. 

As we celebrate today, let us remember that empowering women is not charity — it is justice. It is smart social policy. It is an investment in community building. And it benefits everyone. 

When women rise, communities rise. 

When women are safe, families are strong. 

When women are economically empowered, poverty decreases. 

When women lead, societies become more inclusive and resilient. 

And that is why the work we do together matters. 

So today, let us celebrate the courage of immigrant and racialized women. Let us celebrate their resilience, their leadership, and their contributions. And let us recommit to building a community where every immigrant woman and girl feels valued, empowered and unstoppable. Let us recommit ourselves to giving — because when we give with intention and compassion, we all gain. 

Thank you for being here. Thank you for your partnership. And thank you for believing in the power and potential of women. 

Happy International Women’s Day! 

Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO