Each
year, March 8th marks International Women's Day. It is a
day to come together (regardless of gender) to celebrate the
achievements of women while calling for greater equality. Even in
2015, women all over the world (yes, even here in the United States)
face major hurdles that not only result in the loss of their
potential contributions to society and our shared economy but also
violates their basic human dignity and respect for the lives they
lead. March 8th is used by governments, organizations, and individuals as day to share how far we've come but also
how very far we still have to go. This year, as in previous years,
International Women's Day has had a theme: Make It Happen.
That
message was heard loud and clear in Des Moines, Iowa – that's for
sure!
International
Women's Day supporters and allies joined for an evening celebration
at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in downtown Des Moines on
Tuesday, March 10th. The presenters included: Kim Reynolds
– current Lt. Governor of Iowa; Dr. Deborah Turner – Vice
President of International Programs at Outreach Inc.; Patty Judge - former Lt. Governor of Iowa; Catherine Swoboda - World Food Prize Director of Planning; Laura Krouse –
owner of Abbe Hills Farm in eastern Iowa; Hannah Owusu-Koranteng –
community activist and founder of WACAM in Ghana; and Barbara Lawton
– former Lt. Governor of Wisconsin. Each gave a remarkable and
amazing account of how their vision and their leadership has worked
and continues to work to build brighter futures not only for women
but also for their entire communities. Also in attendance was a 2015 International Woman of Courage award recipient and peace activist Majd Izzat al-Chourbaji who stood against the Assad regime in Syria to work with
women and advance human rights. Ms. al-Chourbaji received a standing ovation
from the entire room!
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| The event is about to begin! |
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| The evening's speakers (left to right): Catherine Swoboda, Dr. Deborah Turner, Hannah Owusu-Koranteng, Barbara Lawton, Patty Judge, and Laura Krouse. |
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| 2015 International Woman of Courage award recipient Majd Izzat al-Chourbaji receives a standing ovation from the room. |
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| Iowa Oxfam Action Corps volunteers |
Most definitely – these women have been and continue to be making it happen in a big and much needed way!
In
addition to the formal event and presentations given by the speakers,
there were several local and international organizations and
co-sponsors present to share the work they do for women's empowerment.
Without their support, the event would not have been possible and
without their presence, the event would have lacked a critical element of
community. Together, we're making it happen.
#makeithappen #internationalwomensday #IWD2015 #womensday #paintitpurple #oxfamamerica #oxfamactioncorps
