NORTHAMPTON — The day began with rallies and marches from one end of the Valley to the other as a way not only to celebrate the achievement of women, but also to call for gender equality.
And in Northampton, International Women’s Day ended with a handful of powerful and impassioned speeches from women activists whose work, talent and personal stories have served to lift up and enhance the lives of women. The nighttime celebration at First Churches, titled “Courageous Women, Fearless Women: Voices for Our Time,” marked the 12th annual International Women’s Day event sponsored by Western Mass Code Pink Women for Peace.
“It is fabulous to see you all here in this sea of red,” event organizer Susan Lantz said as she addressed the standing-room-only crowd of women and men that numbered at least 150, many of whom were clad in red.
Each speaker, be they poet refugee or community leader, offered moving stories of strength, courage and perseverance.
Moo Kho Paw, of Springfield, a former Burmese refugee and now a U.S. citizen, spoke of women’s oppression in Burma, of fleeing violence inflicted by Burmese soldiers, and of her time in a refugee camp in Thailand.
“When I came here it was very hard to find a job and I felt very unhappy, but I always kept my mind that things will be better for me,” she said through tears.
Paw eventually met Ted Barber of Prosperity Candle in Easthampton, who offered her a job and helped her practice speaking English.
Barber’s company helps women entrepreneurs in Iraq and Haiti as well as refugees in the U.S., to bring their products to market. Employed at the shop for seven years, Paw is now the store’s business manager.
She became a citizen in August, and voted for the first time in her life in the 2016 presidential election. “I hope to inspire women to keep going and never give up even when times are hard — never give up!”
Irene “Strong Oak” LeFebvre, of Worthington, is executive director of the Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition Inc. She spoke about indigenous issues and women in indigenous cultures.
“We say that we shall know a nation by the way it treats its women and children,” LeFebvre said, noting that there is still a lot of work to be done here in the United States.
“In indigenous cultures it is the grandmothers that are the forces to be reckoned with and rightfully so,” she said. “Patriarchal does not see things that way.”
LeFebvre discussed the “historical trauma” experienced by women of color and the importance of understanding and recognizing that struggle as women seek justice and equality.
“Whatever race we are we have to come together, recognize each other, respect each other and move forward without any guilt,” she said. “As far as I am concerned everybody here is an immigrant.”
Five women from Voices From The Inside read their poetry, reflecting their experiences with addiction, abuse and incarceration. The organization helps women who are currently or formerly incarcerated to find their voices, return to their communities with success and become community leaders.
Their eloquence and perseverance touched a chord with the audience who rose to their feet in a standing ovation at the close of their presentation.
Rounding out the evening, Asima Silva of Worcester spoke on “Understanding the American Muslim Woman.” Silva is the co-founder of EnjoinGood.org, whose mission is to build interfaith bridges between Muslims and followers of other faiths and traditions.
Valerie Nelson, 52 of Northampton, said that she had never been to an International Women’s Day event before and described the experience as “awesome.”
“I really appreciate the organizers bringing such diverse voices here tonight,” Nelson said. “It adds so much richness and depth to the night.”
The evening began with musical entertainment from the Raging Grannies, singing well-known tunes with their own signature social justice lyrics, and the Offbeat Womyn Drummers.
“This was a very moving event,” said Barber, who was selling candles at a table. “At times I was very emotional.”
In Northampton, more than 250 people came out to Pulaski Park to resist Donald Trump’s presidency and listen to speakers.
Beth Graham, 60, of Northampton, leaned on a pole on the outer edges of the gathering with her dog Charly. She said she’s concerned about the possibility of decreased access to abortion, women’s access to health care, and, as a lesbian, LGBT rights. When asked why she turned out Wednesday, she said it’s important for “people of privelege who have the time to stand with people who can’t be with us today.”
She worries about the Trump administration.
“Our government is turning into an autocracy,” she said. “I fear fascism is around the corner. … It looks to me like the presidency is becoming a vehicle to make wealthy people even more wealthy.”
Amber Abdella, 32, of Northampton, said she works at Edward Elgar Publishing on Dewey Court.
“We’re taking a nice, extended afternoon break to come down here with the blessing of our company,” Abdella said. “I’m just proud to stand in solidarity.”
Cynthia Turnbull, 56, who is a partner at the law firm Sasson, Turnbull, Ryan & Hoose, said the firm was closed Wednesday in conjunction with the nationwide “Day Without Women” strikes.
She came to Pulaski Park “to support women’s rights and to make a very clear statement about how integral women are in our society, workplace and economy.”
“This is a time like no other,” Turnbull added. In addition to attending demonstrations, she said she would like to read up on immigration law. She also pointed out a surge in hate crimes since Trump was elected.
“If the opportunity arises to step in and help someone out in terms of protecting their rights, I’m on board with that,” she said.
Other events took place across the Valley, including a rally at Holyoke Community College where the college’s first female president in its 71-year history, Christina Royal, spoke.
At Smith College, a “day of resistance” called Smith College Vox: Voices For Change featured teach-ins, letter-writing campaigns, a photography project and speakers.
And organizers at UMass rallied and marched for “women’s rights and liberation.” An evening panel discussion on resistance and coalition building also took place.
In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City to demand shorter hours, better pay and the right to vote after which the first National Woman’s Day was observed across the U.S. in 1909.
In 1910 over 100 women from 17 countries attended the second International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen to address a variety of issues. It is out of this event that International Women’s Day was born.
CodePink Women for Peace is a national women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect our tax dollars into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming programs.