STUFF WE LIKE

For International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day of recognition for the women's rights movement throughout the world, highlighting important issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. More broadly, this day is rooted in social justice, and the fight to free everyone—regardless of gender identity or expression—from harmful gendered expectations and limitations. This month, we celebrate all female and gender-diverse entrepreneurs in Thunder Bay, as well as the products they create to support, uplift, and celebrate women everywhere. Here is Stuff We Like for International Women’s Day.

1 Smash the Patriarchy Hoodie

Loud Women Collective, Goods & Co. Market 251 Red River Road

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Loud Women Collective has released this limited edition quarter-zip hoodie. Available in unisex sizing, this super soft sweater (and all of LWC’s products) aim to encourage discussion surrounding social justice and activism. The collective members describe themselves as a grassroots movement promoting equality, inclusivity and body positivity through creative engagement and education—a message we can absolutely get behind. $75

2 We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Entershine Bookshop 196 Algoma Street South

Written by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, We Should All Be Feminists is a New York Times bestseller, and for good reason. This thoughtprovoking and deeply moving essay argues for a modern definition of feminism and womanhood in the 21st century, and appeals to all readers for an identification with the often-controversial title of “feminist.” A short but compelling read, this title is simply an essential in every woman’s literary collection. $11.95

3 Rude Hoop

The Wry Mouthed Woman thewrymouthedwoman.square.site

Wry (adj.): using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humour. If her business name wasn’t clear enough, it only takes one look at her Instagram feed to get the message. The rude hoops sold by The Wry Mouthed Woman expertly blend humour, social commentary, and embroidery for the perfect decoration and conversation starter in your home. Commenting on everything from reproductive justice, to frustration with the patriarchy, to general disillusionment with modern life, The Wry Mouthed Woman turns her innermost thoughts into beautiful (and hilarious) art. $Various

4 Flower Bouquet

Velvet Rope Floral velvetropefloraldesign.com

While International Women’s Day is an important day to recognize the fight of female activists everywhere, it is also a perfect occasion to celebrate the impactful women in your own life. Let that special someone know you appreciate and support them with a beautiful bouquet from Velvet Rope Floral. Created by designer and owner Natalia Fernandez, these floral arrangements are often named after iconic women in history, like the Etta or the Whitney. Need we say more? $Various

5 Print

Oat Milk Lady oatmilklady.com

Originally based in Thunder Bay,

Oat Milk Lady is a queer-owned art business selling art prints, stickers, and apparel, now based in Montréal. Their prints explore a variety of themes and concepts, often commenting on the fluid (and sometimes contradictory) experiences of gender, sexuality, and identity. Loud, bright, and provocative, these prints are sure to add a splash of colour to your space while also conveying a strong personal message. $Various

6 Unisex Human Change Climate Change Tee

Ungalli 115 Cumberland Street North

Ungalli is a stellar example of local female entrepreneurship and activism. Founded by sisters Hailey and Bree Hollinsworth, Ungalli’s mission is to create sustainable, ethical, Canadian clothing that is both comfortable and fashionable. As such, it is no surprise that so many of their items spread a message of environmental activism and awareness (like this awesome Human Change/ Climate Change T-shirt). Bonus: each tee saves 10 plastic bottles from the landfill, 41 days of drinking water, and seven hours of lightbulb energy. $42

7 Red Dress Pin for MMIWG

Sister Bear Designs, Goods & Co. Market 251 Red River Road

Celebrating IWD would be incomplete without the recognition of the important work of local Indigenous women in our community. Enter Sister Bear Designs: a collective of three sisters who honour their family and community’s knowledge, strength, and resilience through traditional Anishinaabe teachings and creations. This red dress pin honours and brings awareness to the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals. While the official Red Dress Day falls on May 5, we can advocate for the end of racial and gender-based violence today and everyday. $30

8 Vegan Bath Bomb

Lovely Body 266 Red River Road

Fighting for gender equality can be exhausting, to say the least. Take care of yourself (or a woman in your life) with a vegan bath bomb from Lovely Body. Available in a variety of scents and colours, these luxurious bath bombs are completely vegan and filled with grapeseed oil to nourish sensitive skin. As a female-owned business in Thunder Bay, Lovely Body is an excellent source of local, sustainable, handmade self-care products. $8.50