(Image Credit: Red Deer District Chamber)

By Red Deer District Chamber

herstory

Op-ed: Celebrating the vital role of women in business on International Women’s Day March 8

Mar 8, 2026 | 8:00 AM

First recognized in 1911, International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women and calls us to advance gender equality.

Across Central Alberta, women are building and scaling businesses, leading organizations, driving innovation, and strengthening our regional workforce. International Women’s Day is not just about recognition it’s about recognizing the economic strength women drive.

At the Red Deer District Chamber, we believe economic competitiveness and inclusive leadership go hand in hand. Through initiatives like Women Leading Change, we see firsthand how investing in women’s leadership strengthens our entire region.

On March 8, and every day, we celebrate women in business and reaffirm our commitment to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

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From early trailblazers to today’s powerful agents of change, Canadian women have shaped our country through leadership, advocacy, innovation, and resilience.

From the long journey toward women’s suffrage to advancing equality of rights and opportunities for all, women continue to blaze a trail toward a more equal future.

Discover notable milestones and the powerful women who helped create change across our country.

Explore the Timeline of Canadian Women’s History

Women in Business: By the Numbers

In early 2025, about 19.5 per cent of private sector businesses in Canada were majority owned by women, and women make up nearly 40 % of self-employed workers nationwide.

These businesses employ women at much higher rates: roughly 71 per cent of senior management roles in majority women owned businesses are held by women, and in smaller businesses, nearly three-quarters of senior roles are female.

In Alberta, women owned businesses account for 19 per cent of all businesses and have grown 27 per cent over the past decade, with women representing 39  per cent of self-employed workers underlining their vital role in local entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Looking ahead, don’t miss our Women Leading Change event on Sept. 15, 2026 at the RDP Arts Centre, a full day designed to inspire, connect, and equip women in business with actionable insights, practical skills, and powerful networking opportunities. This is your chance to learn from industry leaders, connect with peers, and celebrate women driving change in Central Alberta’s business community.

Join us during International Women’s Day week for three workshops designed to help women in business protect, grow, and secure what they’ve built. Topics include cybersecurity fraud prevention, business growth strategies, and wills & estate planning fundamentals. Gain practical insights, expert advice, and meaningful connections.

(Image Credit: Red Deer District Chamber)

Resources for Women in Business

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Resources for Women in Business –

Tools and programs to support women entrepreneurs.

ALIS – Supporting Women Entrepreneurs – Provincial guidance, financing information, and mentorship opportunities.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) – Networking, funding, and growth support for women-led businesses.

BDC – Resources for Women Entrepreneurs – Training, tools, and funding solutions tailored to women-led businesses.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of rdnewsNOW or Pattison Media. Column/op-ed suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com.