Former cabinet minister Catherine McKenna will be on campus on March 3, signing copies of her new book and participating in a panel discussion as part of a broad slate of events and programming for International Women’s Day.
Observed on March 8, International Women’s Day is an annual reminder to honour and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women and girls in social, economic, cultural and political arenas worldwide.
It’s a time to renew a commitment to the advancement of women and girls and gender equity, as well as reminder of how much work is still needed to address gender-based barriers and biases.
Here’s a list of some of the events and initiatives that students, faculty, staff and community members can join in the coming days.
Run Like a Girl: A conversation with Catherine McKenna | March 3
The Office of the Provost and Wilson College of Civic Engagement and Leadership are organizing a dynamic and inspiring afternoon in celebration of International Women’s Day with former McKenna, a leader, changemaker, and author of an empowering new book, Run Like a Girl.
In addition to a thought-provoking presentation about leadership, courage, and the journey behind her book, McKenna will join a panel discussion with Vice-Provost (Indigenous) Beverly Jacobs and historian and Wilson College Professor Kristina Llewellyn. Political Science Professor Karen Bird will moderate the discussion, which will explore pathways and challenges in women’s leadership.
The first 100 students to arrive will receive a complimentary copy of Run Like a Girl. The free event is filling up fast. Click here to register.
Humanities Seminar: Women and the Work of Democracy | March 3
Join historian Lara Campbell, L.R. Wilson Research Chair in Leadership and Civic Engagement, and Allauren Samantha Forbes, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Faculty in Gender and Social Justice, for a conversation about women’s political lives across history and into the present.
Bringing together perspectives from women’s and gender history, social movement history, and feminist philosophy, this panel explores how women have shaped political life in ways that extend far beyond formal rights or institutions. From suffrage campaigns and collective organizing to everyday relationships, ideas, and forms of resistance, the discussion highlights the many sites where political power has been claimed, contested, and reimagined.
By placing historical struggles alongside broader questions about power, agency, and participation, the panel offers a richer view of women’s political engagement and its ongoing relevance. The conversation will also look ahead, reflecting on how women’s activism today may be understood and remembered by future generations.
Click here for more
Play to Win: Redefining Wealth and Peak Performance for Women | March 4
Join McMaster University and the DeGroote School of Business for Play to Win: Redefining Wealth and Peak Performance for Women, a special event in celebration of International Women’s Day. Get inspired as leaders and experts share insights on how women can build personal, professional and financial well-being.
This event features a keynote address and panel conversation highlighting women’s leadership, resilience and the importance of investing in the whole self — mind, body and future. Guests will have the opportunity to join in meaningful conversations and community-building with alumni, donors, students, campus leaders and influential volunteers.
Keynote speaker: Gillian Stovel Rivers | Senior Wealth Advisor, Flourish Family Wealth
Moderator: Lauren McLean | Educator, researcher and advocate
Panelists
- Susan Tighe | President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University
- Gloria Liu | Senior Finance and Strategy Executive
- Erin Reid | Professor of Human Resources and Management, DeGroote School of Business; Canada Research Chair in Work, Careers and Organizations
Click here for more information
Faculty of Health Sciences Women’s Symposium and May Cohen Lecture 2026 | March 5
The virtual symposium brings together women, non-binary individuals, and allies to explore strategies for advancing gender equity in workplaces.
This year’s keynote co-speakers are physicians Lorraine Lipscombe and Diana Sherifali. Breakout sessions will cover a variety of topics that articulate strategies for women’s health promotion and chronic disease prevention, address structural inequities and foster community partnerships.
Click here for more information
YWCA Women of Distinction Awards gala | March 5
The Hamilton YWCA’s Women of Distinction event celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of women across disciplines and areas of influence, recognizing advocacy, activism and a commitment to equity in all facets of life. This year, 39 of the remarkable nominees are McMaster students, graduates, faculty, staff or community members.
Women’s Athletic Leadership Committee – International Women’s Day Panel and Breakfast | March 6 | $10
The McMaster Marauders Women’s Athletic Leadership Committee invites community members to participate in an engaging conversation around women in sport and leadership in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Marauders digital host Juliann Nguyen will moderate the discussion between McMaster student and two-time Olympic figure skater Maddie Schizas; Kat Clewley, former goalkeeper for the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team and Guinness World Record holder for running a full marathon backwards; and Carla Edwards, team psychiatrist for the Toronto Rock and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and member of the IOC’s medical committee.
The $10 admission includes breakfast and three raffle tickets. Raffle prizes include Marauder OVO merchandise, specialty tea bundles, a restaurant gift certificate and more!
Click here for tickets
Women in Entrepreneurship: Pathways and Possibilities | March 10
Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Women in Entrepreneurship: Pathways and Possibilities event. A morning designed to inspire, connect, and empower. Learn from women entrepreneurs as they share their real journeys, discuss how their university experience helped shape their path, and reflect on the realities of starting their own venture. Here’s what we have planned:
- Women-owned vendor showcase
- Professional LinkedIn headshots
Confirmed speakers include:
- Stephanie McLarty (Moderator), Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifestyle Partners
- Tammy Hwang, City Counsellor and Co-Founder, CoMotion Group Inc. and CoBuild Hamilton
- Ashleigh Montague, Executive Director and Co-Founder, BLK OWNED
Click here for more information