Celebrate International Women’s Day in the City of Peterborough

Peterborough, ON - Residents are invited to an event to recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day in the City of Peterborough on Saturday, March 7, 2026.  

International Women’s Day, which is held annually on March 8, is dedicated to acknowledging the achievements, contributions and leadership of women and girls. 

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued a proclamation in support of International Women’s Day.  

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, the Kawartha World Issues Centre and the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton have organized events on Saturday, March 7, 2026.  

The day begins with a rally and march that begins at City Hall, 500 George St. N., at 11:30 a.m.  

City Councillor Joy Lachica will read the International Women’s Day proclamation. The rally will also include drumming from the group Naandewegaan (Healing with Drums) and a poem from Peterborough’s Poet Laureate, Ziysah.  

The rally will be followed by a march downtown with an afternoon of activities in Friends of the Library Community Room at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N. Events include music, light refreshments and a discussion with Kat Owens from the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund.  

All events are free to attend, though registration for the events at the library is encouraged. Registration can be done online by visiting the program calendar page at ptbolibrary.ca.  

Quotes 

“International Women's Day is a day to celebrate achievements, leadership, and resilience of women and girls in our community and around the world. It is an opportunity to recognize the countless ways women contribute to our families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods, often while overcoming barriers and inequities,” Mayor Jeff Leal said. 

"This day invites us to reflect on the work that remains to advance fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. By marking International Women’s Day, we reaffirm the importance of recognizing women’s contributions, amplifying their voices, and continuing efforts toward a more equitable future for current and future generations,” said City Councillor Joy Lachica. 

“International Women’s Day is about coming together as a community to listen, to learn, and to stand in solidarity with women and girls. Events like these create space for meaningful conversations, shared experiences and collective action, reminding us that progress is strongest when it is built together,” said City Councillor Lesley Parnell.