By Kelsey McLean
For many in the Cowichan Valley, International Women’s Day began on Saturday, with the International Women’s Day Rally in Charles Hoey Park. Among those celebrated were politicians, mothers, and other women who have taken initiative in the community.
There were also moments of remembrance and calls to action. A local installation of The Red Dress Project was on display in the park to put a spotlight on those Indigenous women that have been tragically lost, both locally and internationally.
This year focused on women in leadership roles, and for good reason. As of 2020, the Cowichan Valley has achieved gender parity within their 62 locally elected positions.