Portland, OR. With global activism for women’s equality fueled by movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp there was worldwide momentum for this year’s International Women’s Day. In England, Prince Harry’s fiancée Meghan Markle urged schoolgirls to break down gender stereotypes by pursuing careers in science, math and engineering. The World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report prediction is that gender parity is over 200 years away, therefore this year’s theme for International Women’s Day was Press for Progress and organizers used #PressforProgress on social media.
International Women’s Day is celebrated each March 8th and draws attention to the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
The International Women’s Day organization released several videos, like the one below, about Iceland’s progressive traditions.
Locally, five women took to the stage to tell their stories of persistence at an event at called, Our Bold Voices Presents: NEVERTHELESS SHE PERSISTED.
Here’s more information on the speakers highlighted at the Portland International Women’s Day event:
Named in honor of former mayor, Vera Katz, Vera’s Purse was created by a group of women who want to help low-income, older women to escape and avoid homelessness.
This fund may be used by Friendly House Senior Program and SAGE Metro Portland clients for short-term emergency rental assistance, application fees, and other eviction prevention and homeless intervention supports. Vera’s Purse provides Friendly House staff with yet another tool to help the vulnerable among us to live safely, with dignity and security. All donations to Vera’s Purse go directly to client assistance.
To make a contribution online: click here To make a contribution by mail, make checks payable to Friendly House with Vera’s Purse in the memo field. Mail to:
Friendly House Attn: Development
2617 NW Savier St. Portland, OR 97210
If you would like more information about contributing to Vera’s Purse, please email us at donate@friendlyhouseinc.org or call (503) 935-5287.