VERO BEACH — 62 women and 7 men gathered together to Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Sea Oaks Beach Club, Vero Beach, Florida. Their purpose was to honor how far women have come; as well as to address critical issues related to gender equality, violence against women, and women’s rights.
“When one of us makes it, all of us women make it,” said Lalita Janke, President of the United States National Committee for UN Women, East Florida Chapter. “International Women’s Day is an opportunity for all to celebrate the success and progress of women”.
This year’s theme Gender Agenda : Time for action to end violence against women”, resonated globally. Celebrated on March 8 since 1975, International Women’s Day (IWD), also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace brings a message of hope for a brighter future for women worldwide.
Robin Dapp, Secretary of UN Women, East Florida Chapter, USNC recognized the elected officials present and read a welcome letter by Indian River County Commission chairman, Joe Fletcher. “We women in the United States are fortunate to have many rights. However we cannot take them for granted,” she said. “It is time for change. Time to put some punch to the laws on the books…. no more violence against women and girls” Pam Gillespie also read a letter of Congratulations and welcome from Representative Bill Posey.
Speakers at the morning breakfast included: Catherine A. Lambert; Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, spoke of the importance of short and long term goals and the inclusion of philanthropy in financial planning. Jeanne Selander Miller, author of “A Breath Away”; shared her powerful poem, “Why I Write.” Everyone was moved to silence. Dr. Josephine Beoku-Betts, Professor and Director, Center for Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Florida Atlantic University, shared her views on Women and Politics in Africa. She had just returned from teaching for a year in Sierra Leone. Dr. Beoku-Betts was the 2012 recipient of the Florida Commission on The Status of Women as well as the 2012 President’s Leadership Award, Florida Atlantic University.
Attendees asked questions and shared their experiences. Carol Jean Jordan, IRC Tax Collector, said “more women should run for public office” Mary Beth McDonald, prior Mayor said “start now; it takes time, perseverance and money to run”. Claudia Jimenez, IRC School Board member was pleased with the turnout and the simulating program. “We need to do this more often; honor the progress and recognize the contribution women have made to the growth of the County. However, we must move forward together. Women still have a ways to go.”
The mission of the East Florida Chapter, USNC is to raise awareness about UN Women’s innovative programs: the elimination of violence against women and girls, achieving economic empowerment, increasing women’s leadership participation and accomplishing gender equality worldwide. To become a member or to learn more about UN Women, Please visit www.unwomen-usnc.org/eastfl/aboutus