Humber women celebrated International Women’s Day at North campus on March 12 when the First Year Experience (FYE) team hosted an event recognizing women’s achievements and promoting gender equality.
The event assembled students and staff to celebrate women's successes, recognize their challenges, and support gender equality.
Shikta Costa, a library technician, set up a table with books about women's history and success.
"We have great books about strong women. You can borrow them right away, and we will add them to your account," Costa said.
The event was full of energy and excitement. People visited different tables, talking about women's history and fairness. It was a chance to learn, share stories, and connect with others.
Idayat Sanni, a web developer and FYE volunteer, said she was motivated by her memories of her first year at Humber.
"I remember how hard it was being a first-year student at Humber. I wanted to help make it easier for others. Today’s event is a wonderful way to celebrate women, with tables for activities like letter writing and talks about women's history," Sanni said.
The Humber Archives was also an important part of the event. Library technician Sherett Bennett organized a special display about remarkable women from Humber’s past who made a significant impact in their fields.
“I wanted to showcase the diversity of Humber’s women, like Alicia Bria, a singer and former student, and Gwen Boniface, a police officer who later became a politician,” Bennett said.
Bennett said it's important to share inspiring stories of past students with current ones, such as CJ Nofuente, a former Humber basketball player who is now a head coach.
A key feature was Doris Talon, known as the "Queen of Humber," who played an important role in founding the Humber Centre for Women. Talon has been around since the 1960s when Humber started.
“Doris worked hard to open the centre, giving women in the community a space to learn new skills and re-enter the workforce,” Bennett said.
The FYE team arranged fun activities, including a card-making station where people wrote letters to their younger or future selves, thinking about their experiences and goals.
FYE also collaborated with the Indigenous centre, where attendees wrote messages about women who inspire them and added them to a colourful community art piece.
Denver Fonseca, a senior peer mentor at FYE and a student in Hospitality Event Management, said highlighting women's struggles over time was the reason behind organizing the event.
"We wanted to educate students about the struggles women have faced and inspire them by showcasing the accomplishments of Humber alumni. It’s not just about celebrating women; it’s about promoting equity and understanding," he said.
Fonseca said the event attracted about 200 people, creating a positive atmosphere with meaningful conversations. Flowers and chocolates were given to all the lovely women, making the celebration extra special.
“It was heartwarming to see women feel appreciated and valued,” he said.
