Nova Scotia lieutenant-governor to speak at women s day event
The woman who represents the Queen in Nova Scotia will be a special guest in Prince George during International Women s Day events. Lieut.-Gov. Mayan Francis will speak March 7 at 3 p.m. at UNBC s atrium where a reception will follow. Francis will take the spotlight again March 8 during an IWD breakfast at the Ramada Hotel sponsored by the Prince George and District Labour Council. Doors open at 9 a.m.
Breakfast tickets, at $15, are available by calling Sussanne Skidmore at 564-4752 or 981-2654 The theme of Francis message will be Strong Women, Strong World?, with a focus on barriers faced by women in the past and present. International Women s Day on March 8 is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggler of women to fully participate in society.
It dates back to 1908 when hundreds of women clothing workers held a large demonstration in New York City demanding the vote and a stronger union. In 1911 a tragic fire in that city took the lives of more than 140 garment workers that drew attention to sweatshop working conditions that became a focus during future IWD events.
Other events in Prince George include a Wednesday IWD celebration by the Elizabeth Fry Society and Violence Against Women In Relationships committee called Her Story is Our Story. The event at Art Space from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. will offer a sharing of stories from around the world about the advance of women s equality as well as women s information booths, displays and live musical entertainment. Admission is free and includes desserts, refreshments and door prizes.