“What do we want? Equality. When do we want it? Now.”
That chant was heard running through the streets of downtown Red Deer Saturday morning, where more than 80 people gathered for a march to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Sadia Khan, event organizer, said she was glad to see it was more than just women at the event.
“Community doesn’t look like just women – women are only half the population of the world. Community consists of men, women and children,” said Khan.
Marchers, with women in the front and men in the back, began walking at Club Cafe at 11:30 a.m. and walked past City Hall, before returning to the cafe around noon.
“I’m so humbled and so amazed and so happy this is happening in Red Deer. My hope is to continue this every year,” said Khan.
The goal of the event was to “inspire the young women leaders of the future,” Khan added.
“They’re the catalyst of our community,” she said. “I hope we can support and ignite the passion and keep the momentum going.”
Khan said this march was a great way to recognize International Women’s Day, which was Friday.
But “it’s important to celebrate this day every day,” said Khan. “One day is great to bring awareness and create a dialogue in the community of Red Deer, but we must continue this dialogue every day and recognize the sacrifices women make at their workplace and as mothers, as sisters, as wives.
“We must take the message out of this march and apply it every day and amplify these voices into the community.”
Following the march, there was a potluck lunch and a sharing circle.
Red Deerians were also able to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday at The Hub on Ross. Musicians, including Randi Boulton and Erin Kay, performed at the International Women’s Day Concert.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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