Saturday, March 8, is International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women and girls. This year, we’re challenged to amplify the voices of all women, create opportunities for women and girls and accelerate action for gender equality. Learn more about the Government of Canada’s Strength in Every Story theme and the IWD Accelerate Action theme.
Join the SMU community for uplifting events happening on campus and online in celebration of International Women’s Day, and read about the students and alumni whose leadership inspires us all.
International Women's Day - Celebrating a Feminist Future
Wednesday, March 5
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Loyola Colonnade
Join the Sexual Violence Support Centre team in the Loyola Colonnade to mark International Women's Day and celebrate a feminist future!
Drop by between 11-2 to honour a woman in your life, contribute to a special art exhibit and share a treat. All are welcome.
Journalling Workshop for Black Students
Wednesday, March 5
2:30-4 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Room, LA 298
Join the Black Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre for a Journalling Workshop for Black students. FREE journals for the first 20 participants!
Shianne Gordon (Community Mobilization Coordinator with the East Preston Resource Centre and Community Navigator with Avalon Centre) will guide a journalling process of mindfulness and gratitude to support wellbeing.
Join us in Loyola 298 (Private Dining Room) for an afternoon of connection and reflection.
Her Story: Empower Her
Wednesday, March 5
5:30-8 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)
Join us for a special Women’s Day celebration as we come together to honour the achievements and contributions of women across various fields.
This event will highlight how women are re-imagining success by breaking boundaries, overcoming challenges, and leading with courage, innovation, and resilience.
Meet Inspiring Speakers:
Rashmi Prakash – CEO & Co-founder, Aruna Revolution
Sayeda Nabila – Senior Market Manager, TELUS
Navdeep Parmanand – Chief Curves Officer & Founder, Celebrate Your Curves
Join us for an afternoon of thought-provoking conversations, shared experiences, and powerful insights from trailblazing women redefining success in their fields. Register Here.
Celebration of Women in Entrepreneurship
Friday, March 7
10-11:30 a.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)
Mark your calendars for March 7, 2025, as we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. This event is all about confidence, connection and celebration—an uplifting space to honour women entrepreneurs and change makers!
Why you should attend:
Connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs, students, alumni and changemakers
Be inspired by success stories from incredible women making an impact
Engage in fun, empowering activities designed to boost confidence and self-reflection
Enjoy delicious treats from women-owned businesses
This event is open to all students, alumni and community members, and we welcome everyone who believes in the power of women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. Register here.
International Women's Day: Embodying Support
Monday, March 10
10 a.m.-noon
O’Donnell-Hennessey Student Centre, 5th floor common space
Join the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative in celebration of International Women's Day at the Student Centre 5th Floor common space! Get a temporary tattoo of a purple and/or teal ribbon to show your solidarity and support for those who have been impacted by gender- and sexual-based violence.
Meet the SVPI team, get resources for available supports and grab some snacks for the day!
Empowering Voices: A Talking Circle for Immigrant and Black Women Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, March 12
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)
If you are an immigrant woman entrepreneur, a Black woman entrepreneur, or both, we want to invite you to connect with us at our intimate Talking Circle!
This is not your typical formal event—it’s a welcoming space to exchange stories, reflect on personal journeys and build meaningful connections.
We'll gather in a cozy circle of seats, sharing our backgrounds and experiences in a warm, supportive environment. It’s a chance to feel connected, comfortable, and inspired—the perfect way to brighten up a cold winter evening.
What to Expect:
Open conversations about challenges, barriers, and triumphs
A supportive environment to learn from diverse cultures and perspectives
Opportunities to foster new friendships and explore business growth in Halifax
Our Facilitator will be Keisha Turner BA'12, Co-Founder of Starberry Drink Co. Register here.
Paint and Sip
Wednesday, March 19
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre Inspiration Studio (SH 212)
Come join us for a relaxing evening of creativity and tea at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre in support of local women-owned businesses! All ticket sales will go to a local woman-owned business or organization supporting women - we will do a draw at the end of the night. There will also be amazing giveaway prizes from local businesses for attendees.
There will be a tea bar with a selection of teas and snacks to keep you warm and someone to help guide you through the painting process. No experience is necessary; just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! This event is perfect for a fun night out with friends or a solo artistic adventure. Let's paint, sip, and unwind together! Register here.
Recurring Events
EDIA Book Club
The book for the Winter Term is Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong – and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story by Angela Saini.
The EDIA Book Club meets biweekly on Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Patrick Power Library room LI-135.
Remaining dates for this term: March 7, March 21, April 4
Visit the webpage for updates about which chapters to read and for more information about the book club. If you would like to be added to the EDIA book club mailing list, please reach out to Maheshi Dharmasiri (maheshi.dharmasiri@smu.ca).
Women in Sport Business Speaker Series
In this monthly online speaker series, women with expertise in the field of sport business share their insights, highlighting their important roles in the sport industry.
Next event: Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. with Lindsay MacPhee DipEng’04. Register here.
Lindsay, a former chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, founded The Floatation Centre Health and Wellness in 2015. She will discuss the benefits of floatation therapy and holistic wellness for athletes.
For more information, visit the Scott McCain & Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health website.
50th Anniversary of Women in Varsity Sport
Former athletes, coaches and supporters gathered to celebrate the anniversary at Homecoming in October 2024
In 2024, Saint Mary's celebrated a monumental milestone: the 50th anniversary of women in varsity sports. The yearlong celebration showcased the inspiring journeys of female athletes who have shaped the university's athletic program, creating a legacy of achievement, determination and empowerment.
The highlight of the festivities took place during Homecoming in October 2024, when alumnae athletes, current student-athletes and prominent figures in women's sports gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and journey of the past 50 years of women in varsity athletics. It was more than just a celebration; it was a heartfelt tribute to the past, present and future of women's sports at SMU. Read more about the celebration and alumni highlights in Maroon + White alumni magazine.
Today, the SMU Huskies women’s teams are leading the pack!
Women’s Basketball AUS Champions 2024-2025
Women’s Volleyball AUS Champions 2024-2025
The Women’s Basketball Huskies won the 2024-2024 AUS Championships for the third season in a row! MBA student Clara Gascoigne was named the AUS Women's Basketball MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP. Lucina Beaumont, Evie Hargraves and Aki Kobayashi were also recognized with AUS awards.
The Women’s Volleyball Huskies won the 2024-2025 AUS Championships, with left-side hitter Emilia Mikanovich named the AUS MVP and Playoff MVP. Grace Blaskovits was named AUS Rookie of the Year and Alena Piatukhova was named First Team All-Star.
Women’s Hockey captain Ashley Penney was recognized for her academic, athletic and community contributions with the AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award. Abigail MacKenzie and Ava Shearer also received AUS awards.
In the Fall term, Cara Freeman was named 2024 AUS Women's Soccer First Team All-Star and Elliana Porter was named 2024 AUS Women's Rugby All-Star.
AUS award winners Clara Gascoigne, Ashley Penney and Emilia Mikanovich
Inspiring Students
Rheannon Richards BA’24 was the first woman to be awarded the Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award at last year’s Spring Convocation. She was recognized for giving back to her community as a tutor and conversation partner for newcomers. The $30,000 award was established in 2023 for undergraduate Arts students of African Nova Scotian or Black/African descent who aspire to careers in writing.
Commerce student and entrepreneur Olivian Sanderson was awarded a Dream Chaser Change Maker Award for Sociable, a mental health app for students, which she co-founded. The award provides a $10,000 scholarship and celebrates student entrepreneurs who use their businesses to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
First-year Engineering student Mia Makhlouf received the Montreal Women’s Memorial Scholarship, which honours the memory of the 14 women who were killed on December 6, 1989 in an anti-feminist attack at the École Polytechnique, the engineering school at the Université de Montréal.
First-year student Emi Morse received the prestigious Honourable David C. Onley Scholarship Award from Canadian Hearing Services. This national scholarship is awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, resilience, and dedication as a leader in accessibility and the deaf community.
International Women’s Day Collection at the Patrick Power Library
This year's theme, Strength in Every Story, highlights the importance of uplifting the voices of all women, especially those who continually face barriers to success. The SMU Library's International Women's Day book list celebrates women’s resilience, determination, and contributions to our past, present, and future.
Find the display on the ground floor of the library, or browse the book list online. All Library resources are free for SMU students, faculty, and staff to borrow.
More inspiring women at Saint Mary’s:
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre highlights Female Changemakers
BComm student with focus on sustainability wins prestigious Frank H. Sobey Award
'A dream come true' Saint Mary's shot put star Katie Pegg set to compete at 2024 Paralympic Games
PWHL's Victoria Bach inspires young hockey players during campus visit
Celebrating Women in Business: Highlights from the 2024 Conference