Skip to content

Help celebrate women’s achievements in the Shuswap and the world

International Women’s Day officially on March 8, Salmon Arm event set for March 5
20765434_web1_copy_190313-SAA-cindyanddon-womens-day

International Women’s Day was born more than 100 years ago and continues today through the hearts of women who persevered through strikes, fights and demonstrations for the right to vote, fair wages and decent working conditions.

These words come from the global organization that promotes International Women’s Day, which recognizes the struggle is not over. The theme chosen this year is “Each for Equal,” which asks how each person will help forge a gender-equal world.

Although International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8, this year the SAFE Society will hold its celebratory coffee house on Thursday, March 5, at the Shuswap Pie Company.

Running from 5 to 7 p.m., the free event will feature live music by Making Do, guest speaker Dee Lewis from Shuswap Women in Business, interactive displays, presentations, door prizes and more. Everyone is welcome.

“Domestic violence is one of the most stark ways we continue to see women’s inequality play out,” says Paige Hilland of the SAFE Society. “Violence against women and girls and other gender-based violence still continues to be a pervasive problem in Canada and around the world. We have seen a shift in thinking in recent years that recognizes that violence against women is not just a women’s issue and we must all work together to eradicate it. This can include actions such as challenging gender roles to calling out sexist behaviour when we see it; it also means supporting and believing survivors of domestic and sexual violence.”

Read more: Full house in Salmon Arm celebrates International Women’s Day

Read more: International Women’s Day celebrated around the world

Read more: Okanagan chefs come together for International Women’s Day fundraiser

Suggestions for individual action from International Women’s Day global organizers include a number of options. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.

“An equal world is an enabled world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world,” they state.

Shuswap Pie Company is located at 331 Alexander St. No tickets needed.

Both the United Nations and the Government of Canada recognize March 8 as International Women’s Day.

The United Nations states: “International Women’s Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.”



marthawickett@saobserver.net
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter


Martha Wickett

About the Author: Martha Wickett

came to Salmon Arm in May of 2004 to work at the Observer. I was looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of the Lower Mainland, where I had spent more than a decade working in community newspapers.
Read more