Give To Gain: International Women’s Day and Month

March is International Women’s Month. A time to celebrate the leadership, resilience, and contributions of women and girls, and to recommit ourselves to advancing equity, dignity, and belonging for all. Within this month, March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a global moment to recognize progress, confront ongoing barriers, and take collective action for gender justice.

At the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW), we uplift Muslim women who continue to navigate systemic inequities in employment, education, safety, and public life, often compounded by Islamophobia, racism, and gender discrimination. Yet, Muslim women across Canada continue to lead, organize, and build community with courage and vision. When Muslim women thrive, our communities thrive.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give To Gain,” centres generosity, collaboration, and collective care as pathways to advancing women’s equality. It reminds us that progress is not achieved alone. It grows when we invest time, resources, and shared responsibility into one another.

In honour of International Women’s Month and International Women’s Day, CCMW is bringing this year’s theme to life through intentional community gatherings. On March 7th, CCMW will host a Community Iftar, with a portion of the proceeds supporting CCMW’s Emergency Bursary Fund, which provides critical assistance to Muslim women in Canada facing the impacts of gender-based violence. Rooted in the spirit of Give To Gain, this gathering reflects our belief that when communities give — through time, care, and collective action — opportunities for women expand and lives are strengthened. Thank you to Yamm Services and Rania’s Cakes for supporting this event.

On March 8th, CCMW, in partnership with the Toronto Area Interfaith Council and the National Alliance for the Advancement of Pluralistic Societies, will host an Interfaith Iftar, bringing together people across faiths to share dialogue, food, and solidarity. By gathering in community, we put this year’s theme into action, demonstrating that when we give care, presence, and partnership to women and one another, the impact multiplies and our communities grow stronger together. Thank you to our sponsors, Nihang Law Professional Corporation and SRP Foundation, for supporting this event.

This International Women’s Month, CCMW calls on governments, institutions, and communities to move beyond intention and into action — to invest in women’s leadership, challenge systems of exclusion, and ensure equity is reflected in policy, practice, and everyday life.

Let’s also remember all the women and girls that continue to bear the burden of ongoing wars and atrocities around the world. CCMW condemns all forms of violence against innocent people being exacted by powerful men and their killing machines. 

Give To Gain reminds us that progress grows through collective responsibility. By supporting CCMW’s Emergency Bursary Fund, you are directly investing in the safety and futures of Muslim women impacted by gender-based violence. This International Women’s Month, we invite you to give with purpose and help transform generosity into lasting change. Donate and be part of the impact.

Donations are Zakat eligible & donations of $25+ will receive a tax receipt.