E-Newsletter - March 2012
Table of Contents
International Women's Day 2012 - Highlights
Women Learning Literacy in PIRS Programs
Spotlight on Women's Development Programs
International Women's Day 2012 - Highlights
Celebrating the Day with PIRS at Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Many thousands of women around the world celebrated International Women's Day on
March 8 - a great opportunity to focus on the accomplishments of women and the challenges they face. This year's theme, set by the United Nations, was 'Empower Rural Women - End Hunger and Poverty'. Here are a few figures to note, as we wave goodbye to the day for 2012 - but hold on to the values and goals it represents.
Worldwide, women make up almost 50% of agricultural workers, and are critical to the agricultural health of many communities. The United Nations estimates that if all agricultural women accross the world had access to the same productive resources as men, such as fuel, seeds, and access to credit, they could increase yields on their farms by 20-30%. And that could lift 100 - 150 million people out of hunger!
Immigrant women face many challenges when adjusting to a new community and trying to find work to support themselves and their families. Pacific Immigrant Resources Society has focused on this cause since 1975. This year the International Women's Day spotlight was on women's health and well being as we believe that strong women create strong communities. Working together with the Settlement Team at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), we provided a series of workshops for women and a community celebration together. Here are some highlights!
PIRS Board Member, Elizabeth Briemberg, gave a speech at the International Women's Day Celebration
“Never let fear win. It is frightening. Fear will always be there. But never let it stop you from doing what you want to do,” (Angela Baines - Keynote Speaker).
"This celebration gave me an insight into the web of support that immigrant women in Canada have through its neighborhood houses and immigrant societies. It is great to be a part of strong and empowered women, and organizations which make helping women its main mission" (Melissa Briones, PIRS Volunteer and Building Bridges Participant).
ESL Students and their children at the Celebration