Inspiring inclusion and advancing gender equity were connecting themes behind a celebration of women that took place in downtown Salmon Arm.
On Friday, March 8, the SAFE Society once again hosted an International Women’s Day event at the Shuswap Pie Company. The occasion, featuring inspirational speakers, a history of women’s rights and opportunities to connect and network, was united by the underlying theme: “Inspire Inclusion.”
“There are so many ways we can inspire inclusion in our world,” shared the SAFE Society in a post on its Facebook page. “On an individual basis, it’s important to understand, value and seek out the inclusion of women, girls, and gender-diverse folks. Additionally, sharing this knowledge, support and encouragement with others is key.”
Guest speakers included Tina Cosman, who talked about her recent hike in Ecuador, up to the base of Mt. Cotopaxi, as part of a fundraising adventure with fellow Royal LePage realtors. Cosman raised close to $12,000, 80 per cent of which was to be donated to the SAFE Society’s Salmon Arm women’s shelter.
In addition to raising funds, Cosman said they brought along underwear to donate to shelters along their hike. She noted how most women here have a full drawer dedicated to underwear, while in other countries, women are lucky to have a single pair.
Read more: Salmon Arm realtor conquers Ecuador trek/fundraiser for women’s shelters
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Read more: Salmon Arm celebrates International Women’s Day
Another speaker was Jess Hansen of Salmon Arm’s Only Up Beauty Company, which donates three per cent of profits on its branded items to survivors of sexual assault. Hansen shared her story at the event and with the SAFE Society.
“When reflecting on what International Women’s Day means to her, Jess expressed that it is a day to reflect on how privileged we are to be where we are today, but acknowledging how women and gender diverse people still face struggles in everyday life and all around the world,” reads a separate SAFE Society post. “Jess feels that International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to highlight the struggles in society we are faced with each day. When reflecting further Jess expressed the importance of not only including women but gender diverse peoples in the fight for equality and equity. She says that when we include everyone that is when progress shows.”
Hansen noted at the event how about half of Salmon Arm’s small businesses are run by women.
The SAFE Society said there are many ways for organizations and groups to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included, and urged them to inspire inclusion through action in areas such as: forging women’s economic empowerment; recruiting, retaining and developing female talent; supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, and business; designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls; helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health; involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security; providing women and girls with access to quality education and training; elevating women and girl’s participation and achievement in sport; promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls; addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls; and addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls.