Give to Gain

March 8 is recognized around the world as International Women's Day. This day is intended to inspire and empower women through celebration, reflection and advocacy. First observed in 1911 in Europe, International Women's Day has grown into a global movement to unite the aspirations of women around the world.

The 2026 theme is 'Give to Gain', which emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. 

Attend an Event


Peer to Peer Lounge Celebrates International Women's Day - Newnham
Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2026 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. 
Come join us for this special edition Peer to Peer Lounge, Honouring International Women's Day. Lead by a Student Life Ambassador, students will get to come together in a judgement free zone, to celebrate and honour the amazing women in their life. Students will get to create a unique bracelet that represents an important figure in their life. All materials are provided.


Give To Gain with Women in Leadership: Panel Discussion
Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2026 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 
Hear from accomplished women leaders as they share their journeys of overcoming challenges, driving change, and lifting others along the way. Discover actionable strategies for leadership, career growth, and building inclusive workplaces where everyone thrives. Learn how giving through mentorship, advocacy, and resources multiplies opportunities for all. All are welcome.


Peer to Peer Lounge Celebrates International Women's Day - Seneca@York
Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 
Come join us for this special edition Peer to Peer Lounge, Honouring International Women's Day. Lead by a Student Life Ambassador, students will get to come together in a judgement free zone, to celebrate and honour the amazing women in their life. Students will get to create a unique bracelet that represents an important figure in their life. All materials are provided.



Women's Care Day - King
Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 
Take time for self-care at Women’s Care Day. Students are invited to relax and enjoy pampering services including manicures and facials in a calm and welcoming environment. Students welcome.


Give to Gain with Athletics - King
Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. 
When we come together, we rise together. Enjoy an afternoon of creativity, movement, mindfulness and connection through a purple mitten collaboration, snowshoe trail mix fun, climbing wall trivia group challenge and mindfulness activity. Let’s build strength, share kindness and support one another. Transportation provided from Newnham and Seneca@York campuses departing at 12:45 p.m.


International Women's Day - Newnham
Monday, Mar. 9, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m. 
Celebrate International Women’s Day by recognizing the women who inspire, lead, and make a difference. Students welcome.


Peer to Peer Lounge Celebrates International Women's Day - Peterborough
Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m. 
Come join us for this special edition Peer to Peer Lounge, Honouring International Women's Day. Lead by a Student Life Ambassador, students will get to come together in a judgement free zone, to celebrate and honour the amazing women in their life. Students will get to create a unique bracelet that represents an important figure in their life. All materials are provided.


Peer to Peer Lounge Celebrates International Women's Day - King
Thursday, Mar. 12, 2026 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. 
Come join us for this special edition Peer to Peer Lounge, Honouring International Women's Day. Lead by a Student Life Ambassador, students will get to come together in a judgement free zone, to celebrate and honour the amazing women in their life. Students will get to create a unique bracelet that represents an important figure in their life. All materials are provided.

Campus Art Feature

Mary Rawlyk is a Canadian printmaker who trained in England and has worked from Burlington, Ontario for many years. She describes herself as a housewife and artist, balancing family life with a steady printmaking practice. Her career grew out of postgraduate study in printmaking and a determination to make work that speaks to women’s everyday lives.

Wringing Shirt uses a wringer and a shirt to make the work of home visible. Rawlyk links the wringer to the etching press, showing how the tools and actions of domestic labour mirror the artist’s own printmaking process. The piece asks us to value unpaid domestic labour and to notice how private chores support public life. It challenges the idea that housework is small or unimportant, and points to the wider social and gendered systems that shape women’s lives.

Visit Wringing Shirt in the Hallway towards Student Commons West, Level 3, Building A, Newnham Campus Learn more in the art catalogue

Learning Resources

Cover image of Field Notes

Check out the newest initiative from the Reconciliation & Inclusion team. Field Notes offers a collection of resources that the R&I team has personally engaged with, reflected on and found meaningful in their own learning. This edition is specific to International Women's Day, and aims to deepen awareness and support inclusive practice.

Seneca Libraries International Women's Day resources

Check out Seneca Libraries' International Women's Day resource guide. The resources offer a selection of library eBooks, library streaming videos and websites where you can learn more about the achievements, contributions and past & present experiences of women across the globe.

Click anywhere on the row to expand the description. Only the title opens the outline.

This course examines how women’s voices shape literary culture by exploring how female authors represent, question, and reinterpret gender, tradition and social values through their writing.
This course examines how women’s experiences are shaped by intersecting social forces, exploring key feminist debates across work, family, health, politics, and culture while connecting theory to lived realities.

Our Community

Alexandra Hoene, Seneca graduate featured in the Landed the Job series
Landed the Job

Landing in the C-suite: Alexandra Hoene’s journey in Ontario politics and public affairs

In this edition of Seneca’s Landed the Job series, Alexandra Hoene has turned her passion for politics into a successful career in the Ontario Public Service.

Read the story →