As we are freshly entering the month of March, we are reflecting today on the significance of International Women’s Day, coming up this March 8th.

Assessing Our Reality.

A global day of celebration, International Women’s Day is more importantly a day where we reflect on the equality and inclusiveness of our global reality. A day to have an honest look and assess how fairly genders are represented within our many cultures all over the world. It is moment to look back and see how far we have come in our quest for equal rights and opportunities. And to realize how much still has to be done.

Our Vision.

International Women’s Day is a way to advocate for change and support the initiatives already in place to support gender equality. So, at Islands to Cottages, how do we envision the celebration of that meaningful day ?

Increasing Awareness.

We see it as a day of empowerment for women—all individuals identifying as such. And a wonderful opportunity to increase awareness on the reality of women’s conditions worldwide. We want to see men—all individuals identifying as such—included in the events held that day. Coming out in numbers to show their support and their voice to the cause. For the women’s condition is inextricably linked to the men’s and to their position on the values spread generation after generation.

Sharing Knowledge.

We see International Women’s Day as a day filled with workshops aiming to all attendance, gender free. Basic tasks that might not necessarily be intuitive to all. Things that some might shy away from for a lack of self-confidence in specific domains. And yet things that have to be faced regardless of gender or education. Technical knowledge being delivered by competent parties, as there is nothing quite like learning hands-on with someone experienced. And definitely not in a situation of emergency… Taking the time to do those tasks in an inclusive, light and friendly atmosphere. Making a learning process enjoyable and accessible, so everyone can come back home feeling empowered.

Breaking Barriers.

Knowledge is power. Having the knowledge and the capacity to achieve a wide range of tasks around the house can build pride and help alleviate overdependence. Feeling helpless is precisely what contributes to creating barriers and vulnerability. Whereas learning a wide range of skills, and knowing there is the potential to tackle any issue, gives empowerment. It gives understanding and confidence. It gives freedom.

Building Confidence.

So what kind of areas we would like to cover ? Anything. Everything. Car maintenance and repair. Changing a tire. Checking fluids. Troubleshooting basic issues that can happen to anyone. Garden tending. Lawnmower specifics. Chainsaw safety use and guidelines. Snowblower maintenance and operation. Plumbing 101. Changing faucets. Unclogging sinks. Electricity basics and safety rules. Checking a plug. Changing a plug. Installing a lamp. There are so many daily tasks on our to-do list. And having the capacity and the confidence to achieve them safely gives a strong opportunity for anyone to be able to take care of themselves on their own.

We might not be ready for the upcoming International Women’s Day, but our heart will go to every woman in support of the cause. Stay tuned for our upcoming tutorials where we will share a variety of easy-to-follow projects for anyone to tackle, with fun and pride !