FAQ

Commemorative Dates

• When is International Women's Day/Week?
• When is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women?
• When are the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case?
• Why is Women's History Month in October and not in March?
• What are the themes for this year's events?
• Do you provide funding for events?

When is International Women's Day/Week?

March 8 is IWD. IWW begins on the Sunday before March 8 and ends on the Saturday that follows. If March 8 is a Sunday, the week begins on March 8. If March 8 is a Saturday, the week ends on March 8.

When is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women?

December 6, or the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, coincides with the sad anniversary of the death of fourteen young women who were tragically killed on December 6, 1989 at l'École Polytechnique in Montréal because of their gender.

When are the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case?

GG Awards: The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are held in October on or around Persons Day (October 18).

For more information about Persons Day, the Awards or how to nominate someone for an Award, please visit our Web site at http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/persons/index_e.html

Why is WHM in October and not in March?

Every October, Canada celebrates Women's History Month, with the highlight being Persons Day, on October 18. The month of October has been selected as Women's History Month because of the historical significance of the Persons Case decision of 1929, which represents a landmark victory in the struggle of Canadian women for equality.

Please visit http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/whm/index_e.html for more information.

What are the themes for this year's events?

Once approved, the theme for each commemorative date will be posted on our Web site. The commemorative dates are: International Women's Day (March 8), Women's History Month (October) and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (December 6).

For each commemorative date, themes are usually developed three to five months in advance.

Do you provide funding for events?

Status of Women Canada does not provide funding for organizations to hold events related to International Women's Day, Women's History Month or the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. However, if you feel your event or initiative meets the Women's Program Funding Guidelines you may wish to contact our Women's Program directorate.