Governor General Mary Simon says that while we celebrate the achievements of women, and reflect on progress made towards gender equality, “we also reaffirm our commitment to building a fairer, more equitable world in which the voices and contributions of women are not only acknowledged, but also amplified.”

That is part of a statement from the G-G, issued to mark International Women’s Day.

Simon says women disproportionately continue to face barriers and discrimination in both their personal and professional lives, especially intensified on social media, where they – particularly racialized women or those in leadership positions – are subject to hateful comments and messages filled with misogyny, sexism and racism.

Simon says to achieve national and global success, “we need to create safe spaces online for every voice,” starting by bringing the issue to light, and making more people aware of the devastating consequences of online attacks.

The King’s representative in Canada says too many women are being driven away from leadership roles because of ongoing abuse directed at them; “not for what they do, but because of who they are.”

“Fostering digital respect requires sustained effort, collaboration and commitment. I will continue to speak out and raise awareness of this issue. We all have a responsibility to be respectful online citizens, to lead with respect and consideration, and to speak up against misogyny and racism. On International Women’s Day, let us commit to being advocates of change for women and girls everywhere.”

–Mary Simon