Women from Airdrie and around the world are achieving social, economical, cultural and political goals that are closing the gap on gender inequality.

Such is one of many influences for International Women's Day on March 8th.

Even with many women making great strides, the progress toward gender parity has slowed throughout the world.

In 2014, the World Economic Forum predicted that it would take until 2095 to achieve global gender parity, but only one year later, a slowdown has taken place pushing back progress, meaning that the gender gap may not entirely close until 2133. 

On April 19th, it will mark the 100 year anniversary of Alberta women earning the right to vote. In the same year, 1916, Emily Murphy of Edmonton, was the first woman appointed as a magistrate in the British Empire.

In 1917, Alberta became the first Province to adopt a minimum wage law for women.

In 1921, the first Federal election was held that allowed women to not only vote but hold office. Just four candidates ran, including Nellie McClung who was elected as a Liberal member in the Alberta Legislature.

We now have many women in office including Angela Pitt, Wildrose MLA for Airdrie who wanted to recognize the pioneers that paved the way.

"Women are the pillars of their communities, leaders in business, trailblazers in science and technology, and so much more."

"This year in particular, I would also like to recognize the pioneering women who 100 years ago pushed the Alberta government to gain the right to vote."

With each new generation of young women growing up in our community, Pitt looks to them for inspiration for gender equality.

"I am empowered by those brave suffragettes, and by the new generations of young women growing up in our province who inspire all of us to do better and strive for gender equality each and every day."

The Airdrie Women in Business Association is also celebrating International Women's Day at Staples for the second year, with members setting up tables highlighting their business as well as speaking about the AWBA and what types of things the group does to help the community.

Angela Kibsey, Membership Director for the AWBA shared how the group is more than just your typical networking group.

"We're not your traditional networking group, we do have that as part of our meetings that we offer but we are all about empowering each other, supporting each other, talking to each other, learning how we get through things as women, whether it is just day to day responsibilities and yet we are all entrepreneurs, so we all have new ideas, we all want to grow our businesses and its a huge support thing."

Committing to take action to accelerate gender parity can be done by everyone, helping women realize the limitless potential they offer economies throughout the world.

Leah Crawford - airdrienews@goldenwestradio.com