GUELPH – March 8 marks International Women’s Day, and a number of local organizations are getting together to celebrate.
Organizers include Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED), the University of Guelph’s Wellness Centre, the YMCA of 3 Rivers and Zonta Guelph, who are jointly hosting a free community event celebrating women and femme folks.
The event is on March 8 from 11am to 1pm at 10C Shared Space at 42 Carden St. and includes a drag show, poetry, dance performance, kids’ activities and a mini-self-care workshop.
Hot beverages will be on hand, as well as snacks provided by Women That Give.
Prior to the event, participants can meet at Veterans Memorial Bridge at 10:45am (the pedestrian bridge over Norfolk Street near City Hall) for a traditional “Women on the Bridge” rally and a short march back to 10C for the celebration.
“We’re encouraging people to wear pink or purple clothing to show support for women and femme folks,” organizers stated in a press release.
Extra signs and posters will be available for the march, but homemade signs are welcome as well.
Each year on March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Across the globe, honouring women’s accomplishments and pushing for women’s rights. This year, the U.N.’s theme is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
The U.N. explains:
“This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.
“Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.”
Everyone is welcome and 10C is a fully accessible venue. To learn more about the event, follow @gwwic on social media or visit: www.gwwomenincrisis.org/events.
