March: a month to celebrate women 03/17/10

Story last updated at 9:35 PM on Wednesday, March 17, 2010

March: a month to celebrate women

BY RYAN M. LONG

While the world celebrated March 8 as International Women's Day, Homer has been celebrating all month long.

Special events commemorate the struggle for women's rights, remind that there are still challenges and equalities to be faced and recognize the achievements of women globally.

Homer started its celebration with the March 1 opening of a month-long art show and silent auction entitled "Women's Art Piece by Peace" at Latitude 59.

Upcoming March Events

March 22 @ 7 p.m. Kenai Peninsula College East CampusUnderstanding Hearts of the Middle East through LiteratureBook discussions for high school age through adult.

March 24 @ 10 a.m. Homer Library"Let there be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin With Me," Reading for pre-school age children by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller.

March 26 @ 7 p.m. Fairy Ring Teahouse"Rights of Afghan Women" Homer High School Drama Debate and Forensics team debate and open discussion topic.

March 27 @ 7 p.m. Latitude 59 International Women's Day 100th Anniversary Celebration. Middle Eastern Buffet by Wendellosaurus. Fundraiser for Afghanistan Smile Train. $20 per person.

For more information call 235-2401 or 235-532

Kindness Without Borders organized nine events throughout the month to mark Homer's ninth year of observing International Women's Day.

This year's theme is "Sewing Circles of the Heart — Stitching Ourselves Together Piece by Peace."

In 2001 the celebrations in Homer began in response to America's preparations to invade Afghanistan, said Kate Finn, one of the organizers involved in Kindness Without Borders.

"It was in response to the terror that exists around the world and a way to celebrate the good things that happen around the world and to stimulate what we put our attention on: things around the world that support life, community growth and happiness, so we act more along those lines," she said.

Money raised this year is going to the Smile Train, which does lip and pallet surgeries internationally. The money will go specifically to Afghanistan operations.

"The cost of each surgery is about $250 and we are hoping to raise enough money to fund at least four," said Finn.

The month of March also will mark the power of local people to change the world around them in a direct and positive way said Finn.

"Local people do extraordinarily kind and adventurous things: the quilters group that makes quilts for people whose homes have burned down; Libby Bushell who climbed Denali to raise money for breast cancer and has started HOWL an organization to promote empowerment through outdoor leadership," she said.

Each year the breadth of the observance of International Women's Day varies, said Finn, and this year is the biggest yet.

"Last year our only event was art going up at Latitude 59, so how many things we can actually offer to the community to be able to support what goes on for International Women's Day really depends on how much energy and help we get from the community," said Finn.

The first celebration of International Women's Day was in 1911.

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