Written by Zorana Kojic, Senior Youth & Family Counsellor
Working in the mental health field has provided me with the opportunity to work with women from different backgrounds, age groups, personalities, and work styles. Observing those who have been teaching me and helping me navigate the foundation of my clinical experience, I have come to realize the capacity these women have to withstand both internal and external pressures. Their resilience, compassion, and dedication are traits they consistently demonstrate while supporting others through challenging moments.
As I have been growing and maturing into a young woman myself, I have realized that women hold many roles, from caretakers and leaders to educators, mentors, advocates, counsellors, mothers, daughters, partners, and lifelong learners.
In the mental health field especially, I see women show up every day with empathy, patience, and strength, supporting youth, families, and communities during some of their most vulnerable moments.
In the past, women were often told there was a mold they should fit into: to be feminine and follow the lead of others. However, we live in a day and age where women are growing beyond that box and choosing for themselves who they want to be and how they wish to make an impact in the world.
This brings me to something I continue to admire: the ever-evolving ambition women carry. Today, many women embrace new challenges, continue learning, and equip themselves with tools that help build stronger, longer-lasting systems, ones that support and strengthen the communities around them. Women continue to grow and rebuild, often with the purpose of serving their communities, families, and friends.
On this day, I want to remind women who are doing this work that:
• Their efforts matter.
• Their resilience leaves an impact.
• The battles fought in silence are seen and felt through the wisdom of their words, their guidance, and their unwavering support—both in the field of mental health and in their personal lives.
• Their resilience leaves an impact.
• The battles fought in silence are seen and felt through the wisdom of their words, their guidance, and their unwavering support—both in the field of mental health and in their personal lives.
May today be a reminder of how grateful this community is to have you: brave, wise, and resilient women.
Happy International Women’s Day.
