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IWB is celebrating Gender Equality Week promoting inclusivity throughout Canadian society. 2026 theme: Power of Gender-Lens Money.You are kindly invited to join us Sept 22 downtown Toronto for an exclusive Business Networking event to celebrate with us Gender Equality Week – September 20- 26 . This week raises awareness of the important contributions women and gender diverse communities have made to the growth and identity of Canada, celebrates achievements that we have made in advancing gender equality, and reconfirms our commitment to address gender equality gaps in our country.
Speaker: Indira Naidoo-Harris Champion of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.Authority in Women's Issues, Education, Childcare, Immigration and Media.AVP, Diversity & Human Rights, U of G. Fmr Min. of Education, Child Care, Women, MPP, Natl Broadcaster. Speaker: Jenny Kalimbet , Candidate for Toronto City Councillor, Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s
This event invites thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, who are looking to collaborate with core of Toronto strong women that can help grow and develop IWB -- Immigrant Women in Business organization into a real force for economic power, networking, and education for all immigrant business women in Canada.
(IWB Invites Everyone, Both Genders are Welcome)
IWB’s mission is to help members increase their business through an authentic referral program, unique marketing initiatives and improve the world through positive leadership, compassion and commitment to learning, growing and giving.
Agenda: 5:30pm – Networking 6:15pm – Op ening celebrative World Gender Equality Week, speech by Indira Naidoo-Harris Diversity & Human Rights, U of G. Fmr Min. of Education Melane Mulling s, IWB Board Member
6.30pm - Inspirational Speeches by Entrepreneurs, Women-Leaders, Activists 7:00pm - Tara Myshrall , ‘ Strategies for Advancing Gender Equity and Leadership for Immigrant Women in the Canada ’ Naira Velumyan, PhD, RP , ‘Happy Mindset is Confidence’ Magda Juliana Diaz ' Leading with Purpose and Passion Althea Samuels Gender ' Equality, Domestic Violence, and the Path Forward in Canada' Ezza Malik-Zahoor Panel Olga Grass Moderator
7:15pm - #HeForShe Darrell Brown , Prabhsimran Chhabra , Yahudah Man Kamaha , Stephen Clarke Panel Margaret Dritsas Moderator
7:30pm Mwende Mbevi , will speak about the official launch of PDT Toronto and why this IWB initiative is a groundbreaking, high‑profile social enterprise in Canada’s social‑impact innovation space. Mwende will present her signature talk:
“Breaking the Money Ceiling: Advancing Financial Equality Through Gender‑Lens Investing."
� Meet Olga Gagarina — IWB Founding Member, career influencer, newcomer advocate and community builder. Olga is a driving force who bridges women career economic resources and social impact. During Gender Equality Week, IWB is proud to present a powerful conversation on Diversity & Financial Gender‑Lens Equity . Guests will have the opportunity to meet Aziza Zareh Gender Expert , Chantal (M) Cleroux Financial Advisor , who will lead an inspiring segment on:
-The history of women’s progress in Canada
-Why Gender Equality Week is celebrated nationally
-The milestones that shaped women’s rights and leadership
-The work still ahead of us to achieve true gender equity
At this powerful and inspiring event we celebrate Gender Equality Week by highlighting the importance of gender equality, human rights, diversity, unity, and solidarity — and the vital role of women as leaders and economically empowered contributors to Canadian society. This event will bring together a diverse range of speakers, thought leaders, and community members to explore the intersection of gender equality with image and confidence, empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities.
Key themes for the day include:
- Celebrating Diversity : Understanding how gender equality intersects with cultural and social diversity.
- Empowering Confidence : Building confidence and self-image in a society that often imposes limiting stereotypes and roles.
- Championing Equality : Discussing strategies and successes in creating equal opportunities in workplaces, education, and communities.
Join us in welcoming Anna Tarakanova , who will be speaking on the powerful topic: ‘Happy Mindset is Confidence’ .
Anna is Ms. Platinum Universe 2026 at TCP Universe. Anna Tarakanova, MSc is a healthcare and regulatory affairs professional with a strong background in medical technology, quality assurance, scientific research, and leadership .
She is also known for her inspiring journey of career reinvention and co ach
Meet our #HeForShe panel, Toronto’s leading champions for gender equality, and learn how collective action is driving financial inclusion and equity across Canada. Here's why men supporting women is crucial:
- Drives Growth: Championing women unlocks collective potential, fostering stronger development for all.
- Dismantles Stereotypes: Male support breaks down biases, valuing skills over gender.
- Enhances Relationships & Workplaces: Cross-gender collaboration creates respectful, inclusive cultures.
- Accelerates Progress: Male allies are vital for stable, prosperous communities.
- Inspires Future Generations: #HeForShe set a powerful example for better future.
7:45pm - Benefits to become IWB Memb er Zohreh M, hejazi
8.00 - 9:30pm – Networking, professional pictures, and make-up. Throughout the event professional pictures will be taken. P rofessional make-up will be done by Abbie (Jamafacebeauty) Jama
Why This Event Matters
Gender Equality Week: Celebrating Diversity & Financial Gender-Lens Equity is a pivotal event addressing financial inclusion and equal opportunities for women, immigrants, and diverse communities in Canada. With 150+ leaders, investors, and changemakers in attendance, it’s a platform for visibility, empowerment, and equity in action.
� Meet IWB New Founding Member Patricia Giankas , Senior Female in Tech (SFT) AI | Credit Intelligence Pioneer | 48+ Years in Financial Services | Author | . Her speaking topic: 'Women in Tech as Catalysts for Gender Equality'
Through engaging panels, networking opportunities, and interactive discussions, we aim to foster a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to take charge of their narrative and lead by example.
At the IWB Gender Equality Week Summit on September 22 , we proudly welcome Saren Keang — Researcher, Mentor, Speaker, Scholarship Coach, and Author of two powerful books: A Long Way from Home and Beating the Odds .
Saren’s story of resilience and courage — overcoming bipolar disorder and kidney failure — inspires all who hear it. She turned adversity into leadership, purpose, and national impact.
She will launch both books at the Summit and share her lived experience to empower our community and spotlight the strength of immigrant women rising against all odds.
Immigrant Women in Business (IWB) is proud to announce that She & Success Business Magazine and CanadianSME Small Business Magazine & Media Network are now official IWB Media Partner . This partnership expands IWB’s national reach, strengthens storytelling, and elevates the voices of immigrant women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators across Canada. Through this collaboration, IWB community members will gain increased media visibility , feature opportunities , and spotlights on major Canadian business platforms .
As we prepare for the IWB Gender Equality Week Summit on September 22 at Toronto City Hall , we extend our sincere appreciation to our media partners for championing women’s economic empowerment , amplifying newcomer leadership , and supporting gender equality nationwide .
Meet Iby Gyorgyjakab, Iby is a hydration specialist and Certified Enagic® Trainer. She is on a global mission to assist thousands of people, families and businesses to improve their lives and improve their business returns... “Dream big, start small, but most of all, start.”
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Event venue
100 Queen Street West,Room #1,Toronto,M5H 2N2,CA, Canada
Tickets
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