Milton Marks International Women’s Day 2020

By: Laura Steiner

International Women’s Day was marked early in Milton on March 6, 2020.  It was highlighted by a panel on women in the trades, organized by Parm Gill.

Panelists represented women from across a variety of trades.  Martha George spoke for the Industrial/ Institutional Construction Alliance.  “I really encourage women to knock on doors, and go out and talk to companies and offer their skills,” she said.  The construction trade will soon face a shortage of project managers and estimators.

Catherine started her career as an HR professional.  She is now a mechanic, with her own business.   She wants to see more exposure to the trades at a younger age.  She believes it’s a change in mindset to one where “it’s about skill instead of gender, she said.  Resources are available to help women transition.  There is a Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP) geared towards low-income women.  The Ontario government is also started its marketing campaign: “Find a career you wouldn’t trade; a series of videos about people in the trades.

Krantz Proclaims International Women’s Day 

Earlier that morning,  Mayor Krantz kicked off International Women’s Day with a proclamation at Milton Town Hall. 

It was at an event hosted by the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW).  There was a flag-raising, and a march up Main St. to the Milton Mall parking lot where hot chocolate was served.  Some participants carried signs as they walked.  This year’s theme for Women’s Day was “An equal world is an enabled world.”