By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The 2025 Marche mondiale des femmes was officially launched March 7 at Église du Précieux-Sang in Sherbrooke, bringing together activists, politicians, and community leaders to advocate for gender equality. Organized by ConcertAction Femmes Estrie in collaboration with Minister of National Revenue and Sherbrooke MP Élisabeth Brière and Compton-Stanstead MP Marie-Claude Bibeau, the event was part of the region’s activities surrounding International Women’s Day. The morning discussions took place between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., while afternoon activities, organized by the Comité 8 mars—including CALACS Agression Estrie, the Employment Market Integration Centre (CIME), Escale de l’Estrie, and Maison Séjour—were held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and were open to the public and media.
“The rights of women, our rights, are never fully secured—even here in Canada,” Brière stated during the press conference at the event. She emphasized the need for vigilance in the face of increasing public discourse against gender equality, particularly on social media and in political rhetoric. “We must continue working together to foster gender inclusion in economic, social, and political spheres.”
Bibeau echoed the sentiment, underlining the importance of political engagement and community leadership. “Getting involved in your community, joining organizations, and taking on leadership roles is also a form of politics. It’s through these grassroots efforts that real change begins,” she said. Reflecting on her experience as Canada’s first female Minister of Agriculture, she highlighted the increasing presence of women in leadership roles within the sector.
The day’s events featured a series of activities aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing allies for gender equality. Joannie Lasnier, coordinator at the CIME and a member of the organizing committee, outlined the afternoon program, which included an interactive art project, a virtual reality experience showcasing non-traditional careers for women, and testimonies from survivors of sexual violence.
