International Women’s Day 2026: Generations Standing Up!

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, our organization is joining the national movement to highlight the theme “Generations deboutte!”, unveiled by the Collectif 8 mars. This slogan is a direct nod to the magasine Québécoises deboutte! which, more than 50 years ago, carried the voice of an emerging, courageous feminist movement determined to be heard despite the restrictions of the time.

For more information, visit the Facebook page of the Collectif 8 mars (https://www.facebook.com/Collectif8mars/?locale=fr_CA), especially their post from January 29, 2026. The texte is in French.

Why International Women’s Day Remains Essential

International Women’s Day is not a celebration, but a reminder of the struggles that still lie ahead. National campaigns emphasize that in 2026, equality has still not been achieved and vigilance is necessary to prevent setbacks in terms of rights and social justice.

Even today, economic, political, and social forces attempt to restrict women’s rights, undermine hard‑won gains, and sow fear and division. The 2026 slogan reminds us that, from one generation to the next, feminist struggles echo one another, intertwine, and remain essential in building a truly equal society free from violence.

For more information, visit the website of the Fédération des femmes du Québec (https://ffq.qc.ca/portfolio-items/journee-internationale-des-droits-des-femmes-2026/) (in French), where you will also find visuals (in French and English).

Why This Year’s Theme Resonates Strongly Here on the Côte‑Nord

In our region, women face several specific realities: geographic isolation, lack of specialized services, socio‑economic challenges, and persistent taboos surrounding sexual assault (SA).

Economic precarity is worsening for women on the Côte‑Nord, with a high level of financial dependence on male partners. The wage gap between women and men contributes to this situation. Women are more likely to be in a low‑income situation than men.

The message “Générations deboutte!” carries strong meaning here. It reminds us that our local struggles are part of a broader movement of resistance, solidarity, and intergenerational transmission. As the Collectif 8 mars emphasizes, this slogan is a call to action and a political stance, not merely a symbolic motto.

Our Work: Supporting SA Survivors and Transforming Mindsets

Our organization works daily to:

• support women who are survivors of sexual assault, whether they experienced it recently or in the past;
• provide human, confidential, feminist‑based support;
• raise public awareness to dispel persistent myths and counter the normalization of sexual violence;
• engage in popular education to prevent assault and promote equal relationships.

In a context where sexual violence persists and where access to services varies across regions, it is more important than ever to unite our voices, support survivors, and remember that every generation carries part of the feminist struggle. In 2026, claiming to be “deboutte” means refusing any rollback of women’s rights, especially regarding the fight against sexual violence, which remains a major issue in Québec and in our region.

Let’s regain our momentum. Let’s tolerate no setbacks. Generations standing tall!

March 8 Activities on the Côte‑Nord

Sacré‑Cœur • Forestville • Baie‑Comeau • Sept‑Îles • Rivière‑au‑Tonnere

Baie‑Comeau

March 5, 2026 – Baie‑Comeau Arts Centre

• Conference by Marie‑Claude Barrette
• Activity preceded by a 6 à 8 in the foyer
  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=926715289723742&set=pcb.926715343057070) (in French)

Sacré‑Cœur

March 6, 2026 – Salle Le Cœur du Fjord

• Dinner‑show
• Dance evening
  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=926715286390409&set=pcb.926715343057070) (in French)

Forestville

March 7, 2026 – Forestville Arts Pavilion

• Comedy evening with Anne‑Marie Dupras (Diverchiante)
  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=926715283057076&set=pcb.926715343057070) (in French)

Sept‑Îles

March 7, 2026 – Sept‑Îles Convention Centre

• Dinner and festive evening
  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=926715293057075&set=pcb.926715343057070) (in French)

March 8, 2026 – Petit Théâtre of the socio‑recreational centre

• Feminist poetry night
  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/fbid=926715273057077&set=pcb.926715343057070) (in French)

Rivière‑au‑Tonnere

March 8, 2026 – L’Escale Lam‑Air Centre

• Lunch
  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=926715276390410&set=pcb.926715343057070) (in French)