Members and supporters of the East Florida Chapter of the U.S. National Committee for UN Women met Saturday afternoon at Riverside Park for their annual Walk With Me event in observance of International Women’s Day, officially celebrated around the world on March 8 to raise awareness of gender equality and women’s rights issues.
“By walking, talking and working together, we can strengthen the women’s movement. In each country, women’s needs are different,” said USNC for UN Women President Lalita Janke of the global initiatives. She cited areas such as empowerment through equal pay parity, job opportunities and gender equality, and putting an end to human trafficking, child marriages and violence against women, including genital mutilation, as examples of the issues.
“Today we gather simply to celebrate women and all you do,” said Robin Dapp, chapter president, explaining that the organization works to educate, empower and support women globally, especially those unable to speak up for themselves about their needs and their rights. “We lift each other and support each other.”
“We rely on the chapters to support the cause,” said Janke. “UN Women is the only organization that focuses solely on uplifting women, educating women and stopping the violence. For the first time, the United Nations has made women one of their sustainable goals.”
Shotsi Lajoie was there representing the six women artists at Tiger Lily Art Studio and Gallery. Paying tribute to March as Women’s History Month, the artists are donating a percentage of sales from their March show, Joie de Vivre to USNC for UN Women.
“Each of the Tiger Lily artists had created works of art depicting the joys of living as a woman, as well as works exploring personal and global issues that interfere with a women’s joy of living in support of the United Nation’s 17 sustainable development goals,” said Lajoie.
“Our local artists produced art from the heart to spotlight how women’s bodies, loves, restrictions and conditions impacted them personally. It was so supportive of them,” said Janke. “That’s one of the reasons I love Vero – the people are caring and giving to non-profits.”