Ottawa marked International Women’s Day on Friday with a series of community-led events designed to highlight local entrepreneurs and provide a platform for women and non-binary residents.
The celebrations included the “Femfest” market, where nearly two dozen artisans gathered to showcase their work and address the unique hurdles faced by women in the small business sector.
Today is all about honouring women for their achievements and their efforts.
Camille Wilson, a reporter for CTV News, attended the event and spoke with participants about the significance of the day in the nation’s capital.
A marketplace for empowerment
The Femfest event served as a hub for creativity, featuring entrepreneurs who specialized in handmade goods and artistic creations.
Organizers intended for the market to be more than a commercial space, focusing instead on the visibility of feminine-identifying creators.
One participant at the market noted the importance of creating a distinct community to counter efforts to minimize the impact women have on local culture.
It’s good to support one another and to make an effort to create a community when others are trying to like tear us down or like try and minimize our voices.
The market featured nearly 24 different vendors, ranging from long-time business owners to those just starting their entrepreneurial journey.
Challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape
The event highlighted the specific difficulties women face when launching and sustaining independent businesses in Ottawa.
Participants discussed the necessity of mutual support as a way to overcome systemic barriers and ensure their voices are heard within the local marketplace.
Wilson noted that the market provided an opportunity for residents to find items that held personal significance or reminded them of influential women in their lives.
The ambition and creativity on display were framed as central to the empowerment of the local community.
Supporting local businesses was emphasized as a primary goal for the International Women’s Day festivities.
Art as a tool for healing
A significant portion of the day’s events focused on the intersection of art and survival, specifically regarding experiences of sexual violence.
The gathering featured art created by survivors of rape, intended to serve as a medium for healing and communication.
These creative works were used to break the silence surrounding sexual violence and to offer a visual representation of the journey toward recovery.
The event also sought to connect residents with mental health resources and support systems available within the city.
I’ve never been so proud or so excited about anything as it is of me being a woman.
Mental health resources were highlighted as a critical component of supporting women and non-binary folks in the community.
Connecting to the past through memory
For many attendees, the market was a place to connect with personal history through nostalgic items and meaningful art.
Participants shared stories about finding pieces that resonated with their family memories or personal milestones.
This connection to the past was presented as a way to strengthen the bonds between different generations of women in Ottawa.
The focus on personal style and fashion choices also allowed for the expression of positive messages and individual identity among the shoppers.
Building a lasting community
The events concluded with reflections on the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to the social and economic fabric of the city.
Organizers emphasized that the support fostered during International Women’s Day should extend throughout the year.
By creating spaces like Femfest, the community aims to build a sustainable network of support for women and non-binary folks.
The day served as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to foster inclusivity and empowerment in the nation’s capital.
