Spokane is truly lucky to have so many incredible and diverse women in our community! We gathered together for IRC Spokane’s 2nd annual International Women’s Day event to highlight the talents, accomplishments, courage, and culture of women from all different backgrounds.
In addition to delicious food from a Feast World Kitchen chef, donation giveaways, watercolor painting, henna, flower crowns, and bracelet making, we were privileged to hear a beautiful message of unity from City of Spokane Mayor’s Office, Mayor Lisa Brown, as well as inspiring stories from refugee and immigrant women.
Hawa talked about her time working in the female tactical platoon of the United States and Afghan Special Forces before she came to Spokane, and how it was her dream to wear the uniform and work to bring peace to her country. She spoke about setting goals and achieving your dreams even when you have to start over at zero.
Tuku shared her story and how getting an education has changed her life and helped her to become the woman and mother she is today. She spoke about friends from her childhood that didn’t have the opportunity to receive an education and how she wants to work hard for them and for all the girls who are denied that right.
Phu ended the presentation by reading a poem about womanhood and bonds that cross borders. Those connections were definitely felt today at our International Women’s Day event as close to 300 women with different backgrounds and languages celebrated as friends!
We want to give a huge thank you to Community Health Plan of Washington and Providence Inland Northwest for their generous sponsorship that made this event possible, as well as Mobius Discovery Center, Project Beauty Share, SCM, and JFC Balloon Co. for the many donations that we were able to give out today!
Additionally, we want to thank the Spokane Public Library for the use of their space and our 18 community partners for coming to share their community resources and programs with everyone in attendance. And one last enormous and genuine thank you to all of our phenomenal interns, volunteers, and community members who worked so hard to help make this event a special and memorable day! We couldn’t have done this without all of you!
