The BAMER Women’s Network celebrated International Women’s Day today, 8th March, at the Sobell Leisure Centre in Islington. The celebration was organized by IMECE, KMEWO and LAWA, and all the women we work with were invited.
The event started at 9.30 with refreshments, followed by short welcome speeches in English, Turkish, Spanish, Kurdish and Arabic by the Directors of IMECE, LAWA and KMEWO.
KMEWO’s Director, Sawsan Salim, congratulated the women and explained the importance of this day and stressed how all women should unite against male dominance and violence and keep fighting for equality and freedom. She also mentioned the women and children suffering in Syria and Iraq and expressed solidarity with them.
The speeches were followed by a Zumba activity that got most of the women on their feet jumping and dancing. At 11.30 Councillor Kaya Schwartz and Victims’ co-ordinator Manju Luhman each said a few words. Councillor Schwartz said that all the organizations working in Islington are very helpful and that employment has given many women independence and confidence. Manju listed all the services Islington Council provides for its residence and stressed that she valued the women’s feedback as a means of finding out which services needed by the community.
The rest of the day was focused on singing, dancing and celebrating being a woman. Group photos were taken and about 1:00 pm lunch was served to everyone. The event ended at 2 o’clock. This is the second year of IWD celebrations in Islington, organized by the BAMER- Women’s Network in Islington.
The Directors of KMEWO, IMECE and LAWA would like to express their thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the manager of Sobell for generously allowing us to use the facilities, free of charge. We are greatly indebted to everyone who supported us.
Prepared by Nada Abe-Mershed
