About International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality. IWD has been around for well over a century, with the first IWD marked in 1911.

IWD is a specific day dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide.

Marked by millions of people on March 8, IWD provides an important platform to engage with communities, reflect on progress, and commit to positive action. Participation in IWD ensures progress toward equality remains on the global agenda and positive action prevails.

IWD has a long and powerful history of collective action, with many groups, countries, and bodies having actively contributed to its evolution.

Today, IWD is a highly visible worldwide occurrence with significant mainstream awareness, marked by groups worldwide in a wide variety of ways.

Remember, all IWD activity is valid. IWD is a movement. It belongs to all groups, everywhere. That’s what makes IWD so inclusive, not exclusive.

The 2026 IWD theme is Give To Gain, emphasizing the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise. #GiveToGain #IWD2026

About The Rotary Clubs of Langley

The Rotary Clubs of Langley are part of a global network of people who like to roll up their sleeves and get things done. Locally, they support community projects that make Langley a better place to live, from youth programs and scholarships to food security, health initiatives, and support for seniors. They also partner with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to tackle real needs, not just talk about them. Beyond Langley, Rotarians contribute to international projects such as clean water, disease prevention, and disaster relief. Members come from all walks of life, but they share a common goal: service above self. Along the way, there’s plenty of camaraderie, connection, and the satisfaction that comes from making a tangible difference, both close to home and around the world.

The Langley Rotary Clubs Charitable Foundation (LRCCF), established in 2012, serves as the charitable arm of the Rotary Clubs of Aldergrove, Langley, Langley Central, and Langley Sunrise. It supports initiatives that strengthen communities, develop leadership, and create lasting, community-driven change grounded in equity and opportunity.

For the past 14 years, Langley Rotary has proudly hosted the International Women’s Day event celebrating women’s achievements, amplifying important conversations, and fostering connection, leadership, and positive change within our community.

About Our Speaker

RCMP Superintendant Raina Siou

Superintendent Raina Siou, MA, is a 29 year Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, wife of 23 years, and proud mother of two young adults. Her first post with the RCMP was in 1997 at the North Vancouver RCMP Detachment, followed by stints at White Rock and Mission RCMP Detachments. She also spent time at the RCMP’s Federal policing, the National Leadership program, INSET, Community Policing Services and as the Interim OIC of the North Vancouver RCMP Detachment in 2025. She is currently the OIC of British Columbia’s Operational Communications Centres (OCC’s) and Divisional Duty Officers (DDO) program, overseeing over 500 employees and a multi-million dollar budget. She uses her experiences and Master’s in Leadership and Management from Charles Sturt University, Australia, to teach and mentor others bring about transformational change to create safe, respectful and productive workplaces by providing ways to lead from their hearts.

Nominate an Unsung Hero

To recognize and celebrate the women in our community, we encourage you to nominate an Unsung Hero. This Unsung Hero is someone who has gone above and beyond. A woman who has displayed devotion and care to the community near and far and to those in need. This special person does this good work without expecting any praise or recognition.

Deadline for submission is February 21 2026.

Nominator Name

Nominee Name

Nominator Email

Nominee Email

Nominator Phone

Nominee Phone

Nominator Address

Nominee Address

Describe

For more information, the committee may reach out to another person to add to or verify the nomination.

Second person name

Second Person's Email

Second Person's Phone

Is the nominee aware of your nomination:

Nominee Aware

Yes No

Upload up to 2 supporting documents: (in PDF format, max 5MB)

Upload supporting files

Our 2025 Unsung Hero

Dr. Geeta Gupta

Dr. Geeta Gupta is a compassionate family physician and maternity care provider whose work has had a profound impact on both patient care and community wellbeing. She is a key force behind The Langley Foundry, an organization dedicated to supporting local youth through mental health services, addiction support, and mentorship. Through her unwavering commitment to healthcare, education, and advocacy, Dr. Gupta has helped strengthen the lives of individuals and families while also shaping and inspiring future medical professionals.

Langley IWD Luncheon

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Gallery of Past Events

Beneficiaries

Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will support:

Addiction recovery centre Cedar Haven, which helps women overcome substance use and rebuild their lives with personalized, trauma-informed support and long-term care
The Fairy Godmother Foundation, which gives students the opportunity to attend grad with pride and donated grad wear and accessories, services, funds, and more.