Women of different nationalities, ages, and experience gathered at the ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge to celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 7.
Put on by the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Local Immigration Partnership, the event featured inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, live cultural performances, and networking opportunities.
Those who attended could take part in discussions on topics like women’s empowerment, leadership, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. It provided a platform for women to share their stories, connect with one another, and inspire positive change.
This event honoured and celebrated the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds while promoting gender equality and inclusivity within our community, said Carolina Echeverri, Program Coordinator at the Local Immigration Partnership.
“We are thrilled to organize this event in recognition of International Women’s Day,” said Echeverri. “It’s a day to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in our community and around the world. Through this event, we aim to foster dialogue, empower women, and promote a more inclusive society.”
Performances included Peruvian Roots, Pies de Bronze, and Katzie drummers.
The event even included a free dinner.
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“This day is for us - women, mothers, sisters… This is the day that recognizes our strength, our resilience, our uniqueness. This is the day for all of us who shattered glass ceilings, break barriers, change norms and build a future with limitless possibilities. And, especially this is the day for all the women who came from all over the world to Canada, left everything behind to come to a different country, not knowing the language, not having their support and connections, to find a better future for their family and themselves,” said the organization online.
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Local Immigration Partnership: The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) is a collaborative initiative dedicated to creating welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Katzie. Through partnerships with various organizations and stakeholders, LIP works to address the needs and challenges of immigrants and refugees while promoting diversity, equity, and social cohesion.