Although Penny Deming was on a small Mexican island during last year’s International Women’s Day, the effect of the experience couldn’t have been bigger.
“I was quite shocked to see (men) were giving roses in honour of the women in their communities,” Deming said, noting she was also handed one of the cut flowers. “The impact of that was huge for me.”
She later learned it’s not unusual for countries to practise traditions around the annual observance.
“In a country like Russia, they give their women the day off with pay,” Deming said. “In our culture, we do so little for International Women’s Day.”
In an effort to raise awareness about the March 8 celebration – which will be marking its 100th year – Deming’s White Rock business, SHE Financial, is hosting a gathering at Peace Arch Provincial Park as part of global campaign Join Me on the Bridge.
The movement was started last year by Women for Women International, which aids women in war-torn countries. More than 20,000 people showed their support by congregating to bridges across four continents.
“The concept is women are bridging the efforts of peace around the world,” Deming said.
This year, bridge events are being planned in 27 countries and more than 100 cities – including South Surrey.
Deming said she opted for the park due to the complicated logistics of planning a ceremony on a Vancouver bridge, and so people on the other side of the border can participate, too.
“We will form a bit of a bridge between the two countries. It will signify us coming together as women around the world to bridge this message of peace,” she said, noting South Fraser Women’s Services Society and local Soroptimists have joined as partners. “The goal is to get 200 people that would come out and be able to share the event with us.”
Registration will begin at 4:30 p.m., and the ceremony – MCed by Vancouver TV personality Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson – will be held from 5 to 5:30 p.m., with a party to follow at 6 p.m. at ULounge, 16051 24 Ave.
Attendants are invited to wear event T-shirts printed with a message of peace, which are available for sale and will also be distributed to women in local businesses, who are encouraged to don them March 8.
Proceeds will benefit Women for Women’s sponsorship program, which helps women rebuild their lives after war.
Deming – who became inspired to make a difference after reading Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide – said it costs US $350 to sponsor a woman for a year. She hopes to support five women with proceeds from the shirt sales.
It’s to be a small but important step in SHE Financial’s goal to sponsor a village of 1,000 women by Dec. 31, 2011.
There are countless other ways to give back in recognition of International Women’s Day, Deming said, noting that South Surrey’s Jose and Co. Custom Jewellers is acknowledging its female employees with a paid day off.
“I would encourage local businesses to honour their female staff in some way.”
To sign-up for the March 8 gathering, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1126155361/rss
To purchase a T-shirt ($20), contact SHE Financial at 604-535-7436 or email info@shefinancialgroup.com