Special event held to mark International Women’s Day 

Every International Women’s Day, organizations and groups across Canada, and around the world, hold events in honour of the day. Our own MFRCs are no exception. Bases right across Canada held special events to mark the day.

On March 2, 2019, the MFRC in the National Capital Region (MFRC NCR) hosted their special event marking International Women’s Day. The day’s theme was “Thrive,” and there were a number of workshops, guest speakers, and a special lunch included. 

“Our International Women’s Day event was all about celebrating the incredible women of our CAF community. Our theme this year was “Thrive,” which perfectly highlighted the day, it’s definition is ‘to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances,’” said Taylor Galloway, family engagement service manager for the MFRC NCR. 

The featured speaker for the day was Monica Bobbitt, who is the epitome of thriving. She is a military widow, who lost her spouse in a training accident in 2014. She is a writer and a speaker, and she uses her blog, Goat Rodeo, to talk about her experiences. 

“She is also a well-known speaker, who speaks about her experience as a military widow, and how she is thriving despite challenges,” said Galloway.

Tania Silletta, Maryse Valiquette, and Emmanuelle Beauregard all provided workshops on topics geared to helping one thrive. Silletta focused on the concept of mindfulness, movement, and meditation in your everyday life.

Beauregard conducted a workshop on relaxation and self-massage techniques. She taught participants the basics of self-massage for hands and fingers, breathing techniques, and progressive muscle relaxation. 

Valiquette did a study through creativity where she took participants on a journey to explore personal values using a variety of art medium. The MFRC NCR staff facilitated workshops as well, one on values, and another workshop introducing participants to journaling. 

The day concluded with a bonfire, where participants shared one word to describe the day.