Lanark County Interval House marks International Women’s Day by reflecting on progress, ongoing work

As communities across the country prepare to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, staff at Lanark County Interval House (LCIH) have been reflecting on the progress made in advancing women’s rights — and the work that remains.

LCIH is a community organization dedicated to supporting women and children across Lanark County who are experiencing gender-based violence, offering shelter, outreach and advocacy services.

Throughout the week, staff have been sharing posts on social media to raise awareness for International Women’s Day and this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” which highlights the impact of giving time, advocacy and supporting others.

LCIH Communications and Volunteer Coordinator Emma Kinsman said International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to raise public consciousness in the greater community about the dangers and challenges many individuals continue to face.

“International Women’s Day is always kind of a day when the community can come together and support women and children who are experiencing gender-based violence,” Kinsman told Lanarkist. “It’s an opportunity to remind people that women in our communities are experiencing violence and harm every day of the year.”

While LCIH is not hosting a formal event this year for Women’s Day, they shared that several community partners have organized their own initiatives in support of their work.

Among them, Maplestone Ranch planned a spa day fundraiser, with proceeds supporting Interval House programs. Meanwhile, Canadian Federation of University Women arranged a film screening at the Studio Theatre Perth, and RONA Carleton Place invited LCIH to host an information table aimed at raising awareness.

To acknowledge Women’s Day within their own organization, LCIH staff took a trip to Ottawa on Monday, March 2, 2026 to visit a monument to the ‘Famous Five’. Created in 2000, the Famous Five monument pays homage to a group of five Canadian women whose brought an appeal case for before the Supreme Court of Canada in 1928, which helped secure the recognition of women as “persons” under Canadian law.

Kinsman told Lanarkist that the visit served as a powerful reminder of how collective action can drive true change.

“They gave their time, their energy and their voices to challenge injustice,” she said. “Generations of women afterward gained greater rights because of that.”

Kinsman said the story of the Famous Five resonates deeply with those working in the sector today, shedding much needed hope on days when the work can feel difficult or emotionally-draining.

“It reminds us that the movement for women’s rights is bigger than any one organization or any one day,” Kinsman shared. “Even when it feels like we’re taking one step forward and two steps back, our efforts are still part of that broader progress.”

The organization is also encouraging community members to learn more about ways they can support survivors or challenge harmful behaviour in everyday life.

One initiative promoted by Interval House is its “See it, Name it, Change it” campaign, which encourages people to speak up when they witness harmful jokes, bullying or violence.

“Calling it out is one of the ways we can all come together to help end violence,” Kinsman emphasized.

Those looking to get involved or find volunteer opportunities, resources and information about donations can do so through the organization’s website.