Women around the world are holding several events to mark the occasion of “Women’s Day”, an international event designed for defending rights and denouncing violence against women.

In Montreal, a Muslim women group has urged people to denounce violence and support Muslim women’s right to don the hijab on the International Women’s Day marked annually on March 8.  

“We particularly ask for our fellow Quebecers to respect our Muslim sisters who choose to wear the hijab as part of their attire,” the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) said in a statement.

“Quebec`s Bill 21 hurt the Muslim community, especially the young female members who graduate from the Education and the Law Faculties, in denying them access to the workforce.”

In July 2019, Quebec’s Bill 21 banning public-school teachers, government lawyers, judges, and police officers from wearing hijab and religious symbols, was passed at Quebec’s National Assembly.

The new bill was already affecting the Muslim community negatively after a Montreal Muslim women’s organization report in May said there had been a sharp increase in Islamophobic incidents after the bill was tabled.

Weeks before the bill, several Muslim women have reported about being spat upon, harassed or denied public services.

The CCMW Montreal also appealed to all men and young boys out there to “educate your fellow menfolk and warn against the use of violence as a means of getting rid of conflict.”

Day for Women

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

The IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.

Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not a country, group or organization specific.

This year’s event is held under the theme #EachforEqual.

The story of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) begins in 1982 when a group of dynamic and devoted Muslim women from across the country congregated in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Led by the late founder of CCMW, Dr. Lila Fahlman, these women sought to mobilize their passion for social justice and faith in order to enrich their communities and work towards the common good of Canadian society.

For the past 30 years, its proud and accomplished roster of members have achieved and continue to achieve great milestones for Muslim women and Canada’s multicultural landscape.