Multicultural association to host International Women’s Day celebration March 8

Pictured are some of the women and girls who attended the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron’s annual International Women’s Day celebration in Stratford last year.

The Multicultural Association of Perth Huron (MAPH) will host its 15th annual International Women’s Day celebration at the Stratford Rotary Complex on March 8.

With admission by donation, the event will begin at 4 p.m. with a multicultural dinner featuring food from around the world starting at 5 p.m. MAPH executive director and founder Geza Wordofa says this year’s theme is focused on the empowerment of women and girls.

“It is a good opportunity to celebrate the successes and achievements of women and girls with our multicultural community,” Wordofa said, noting the event is open to everyone.

The event will also feature three guest speakers.

Mekdele Mugene, a Ugandan newcomer who spent years in Kenya’s largest refugee camp before immigrating to Canada, will speak first about her experience and share how all eight of her children have found success in their new lives here in Canada.

Amber Timmons, a woman of European descent who was raised by a Métis family, will speak of her own personal successes working with the multicultural association while fighting to regain care of her children after they were taken from her through Canada’s controversial birth-alert system. Finally, Monica Singh Soares, a councillor for the Township of Southgate in Grey County, will speak about her life and her work empowering women and girls.

The event will also feature live Mexican mariachi music.

To pre-register for the International Women’s Day celebration, email info@MAPH.ca or message the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron on Facebook. Donations can be made at the door, via e-transfer to the above email address or by visiting MAPH.ca. Anyone who donates $50 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt.