Sixteen Boundary women receive recognition
By Mona Mattei
The Boundary region joined the global platform celebrating International Women’s Day on Tuesday. The soiree recognizing outstanding women of the Boundary, hosted by the Boundary Women’s Coalition, was one of thousands of celebrations held across the world. Performer and social activist, Annie Lennox, led a mass march across London’s Millennium Bridge for charity. In Washington D.C. over a thousand people descended on Capitol Hill demanding a better world for millions of marginalized women and girls around the globe. A major international businesswomen’s conference was hosted in Sydney, Australia. Schools and governments around the world participated in the day. Trade Unions and charities campaigned, and global corporations hosted conferences and distributed extensive resource packs. The United Nations Secretary-General delivered a formal message, and even the United States designated the whole month of March as Women’s History Month as officially proclaimed by President Obama. Here at home, the Coalition presented awards to women nominated by their peers from across the Boundary during the soiree at the Seniors Hall in City Park. The women nominated for awards do not go through a jury process – they are all recognized for their contributions according to their nomination. Sheila Dobie and Louise Heck, members of the Coalition, hosted the evening and 16 women were brought forward to accept recognition. “I’m really proud to be a part of this organization. I think it does amazing work,” said Dobie. “Tonight we’re celebrating today’s wave of women taking charge of their lives and making change in leadership, business, friendship, in lifestyle and in their youth.” Fatima Faria, co-chair of the Coalition closed the evening with remarks. “I’m overwhelmed by the women in the community that we’re just so lucky to have,” said Faria. “We walk by them everyday unaware of all the things that these incredible women are doing in our community. And a lot of women who obviously have a lot of support from the men they are with as well. We’re lucky to have that too.” The Boundary Women’s Coalition saw its beginnings in the early 1990’s and was formally incorporated in 1992. The Coalition has had years of growth, and other years when they could barely keep their doors open, but through all this they worked to provide support and encouragement to the women of the area. Today, their office on Market Avenue continues to help women with resources, a place to share, and support. The Coalition welcomes new members and donations to assist in their efforts. Awards: Community Leaders: Julie Damore, Kate Haddow, Lorraine Dick, Sandy McCleer, Cathy Straume, Cst. Kristie Halvorsen, Helen Idler, Joan Thompson Healthy Role Model: Gillian Davis, and Donna Draper Inspiring Friend: Linda Southwick, Dena Wakabayashi Women in Business: Alyssa Milne, Marie Seymore, Melon Durand Youth: Amanda Thate About International Women’s Day
- International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.
- In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women’s Day is a national holiday.
- The first IWD was observed on 19 March 1911 in Germany following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. The idea of having an international women’s day was first put forward at the turn of the 20th century amid rapid world industrialization and economic expansion that led to protests over working conditions.
- 2011 sees the International Women’s Day centenary fall on the same say as Shrove (pancake) Tuesday.
- For a detailed list of International Women’s Day events globally see http://www.internationalwomensday.com/events.asp
- Follow the International Women’s Day Twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/womensday
- For more information see http://www.internationalwomensday.com/about.asp
- For International Women’s Day logos and usage guidelines, see http://www.internationalwomensday.com/linkto.asp
