Celebrating International Women’s Day and Give to Gain Campaign

On Sunday, March 8th, Canadians join with others around the globe to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD). It's an annual event meant to acknowledge the significant social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, educate and raise awareness about women's equality, and call for gender parity.

When we Give, we Gain.

The 2026 International Women's Day (IWD) theme, 'Give to Gain', is supported by a global campaign meant to encourage a mindset of generosity and collaboration, with an emphasis on reciprocity and support. It is based on the premise that when we invest in women, we unlock growth, innovation, and resilience for the benefit of everyone. 

This is true in BC, where, based on recent forecasts, the province continues to be plagued by a persistent shortage of skilled trades workers, while women make up a small percentage of the total trades workforce. Going forward, increasing the number of women in the trades will be critical to filling the existing labour gap. So, how can we encourage and support more women to choose a career in the trades? What can we Give to Gain gender equality?

We can begin by donating money or volunteering some time to women's organizations, promoting women-friendly workplace cultures, committing to hiring more tradeswomen, and supporting advocacy and acceptance for a start. While some of these actions alone may seem small, together they can make a sizeable contribution to the advancement of women in the trades. There's an enormous opportunity for women seeking secure, well-paid, and fulfilling employment, and we need them more than ever before.

So, if you're a woman considering a trades career or are already working in the trades, these women-friendly organizations can provide you with the advice, guidance, and support you need to be successful in your chosen career pathway.

BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT) is a BC-based non-profit organization that is focused on supporting, advancing, and increasing the representation of women and gender-diverse individuals in the skilled trades.

BC Trades Equity Society (BC Tradeswomen Society) is a non-profit that provides support and networking for women, trans men, trans women, and non-binary individuals in the trades.

SkilledTradesBC is a BC government-funded organization that sponsors training programs for women and underrepresented groups, including initiatives like the Women in Trades Training (WITT) program.

Build TogetHER BC is a campaign of the BC Building Trades that promotes, supports, and mentors women in the skilled construction trades.