At Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Laura Cabott proclaimed Wednesday, March 8 as International Women’s Day.

It’s a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, she said.

Cabott said it’s also a day that marks the call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Whether deliberate or unconscious, the mayor said, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead.

She said knowing that bias exists is not enough – action is needed to level the playing field.

In 2023, the theme of International Women’s Day is break the bias.

Everyone is invited to imagine a gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, and a world where difference is valued and celebrated, Cabott said.

“Now, therefore, I, Mayor Laura Cabott, do hereby proclaim March 8, 2023 to be International Women’s Day in the City of Whitehorse.”