Today, March 8th, 2011 marks this year’s International Women’s Day. It is a day to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. Over the last 100 years, we have seen tremendous changes in the way women have been viewed and treated. Women have established themselves as legal persons, won the right to vote and participant in government, attend university, work and raise a family, but most importantly earned the right to choose their own path in life.

Even with the advances that have been made, the unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.

International Women’s Day reminds us of what women have gone through, what still lies ahead, and inspires women by celebrating these achievements.  The day is dedicated to recognizing the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women. The day is also an opportunity for our community to come together to unite and create meaningful and positive change for the future.

Women’s history regarding HIV and AIDS is also filled with struggles, challenges, and successes. After the first HIV diagnosis in Canada in 1983, the American Medical Journal published an article in 1985 claiming that women’s rugged vaginas will protect them from HIV infection, leaving women misinformed and therefore more vulnerable to HIV infection, as we now know that women are physiologically more susceptible to HIV than men. It wasn’t until 7 years later in 1992 that the rugged vagina myth was finally debunked in AIDS in the World and the World Health Organization listed women as a group at risk for HIV infection.

Today, many Canadian women are living long, healthy and empowered lives with HIV, thanks to medication, healthy lifestyles, and access to health care. Unfortunately due to socio-cultural factors such as marginalization, barriers to health care, poverty, and a lack of control over sexuality and sexual relationships, not all women have access to the treatment and care they need to prevent or manage HIV.  

This year on March 8th, celebrate the women around you.  Take time to remember the past, learn about the achievements of notable Canadian women and inspire those around you to do the same.  Take time to learn about HIV transmission, risk reduction, and prevention and how the disease affects both men and women. Pass the information along to those you love.

Happy International Women’s Day Everyone!