On March 8th, 2024, Human Migration Institute (HMI) hosted a vibrant and empowering Women's Day Walk in honor of International Women's Day. The event, held in the afternoon, brought together community members to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and strength of women worldwide. The festivities kicked off at 2:30 p.m. with a warm welcome and fun activities at HMI's office. Participants had the opportunity to get creative with sign-making for the walk, strike a pose with a friend at the photo booth, and indulge in delicious cake to sweeten the celebration. Attendees also had the chance to network and connect with local community members, fostering a sense of camaraderie and solidarity.

The event was graced by the presence of two remarkable speakers whose insights and experiences left a lasting impact on the audience. Erin Edwards, Riverside City Council member for Ward 1, took the stage to share her inspiring journey to becoming one of the few female city council members in Riverside's history. With unwavering determination and dedication, Erin recounted the challenges she overcame and the sacrifices she made to attain her esteemed position in office. Dr. Selin Nielsen delivered a poignant address on the intrinsic right of every woman to embrace her authentic self. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional journey, Selin spoke passionately about the resilience and strength inherent in women, emphasizing the collective power of women to effect positive change and the imperative of gender equality in shaping a more just and inclusive society. Their words of empowerment resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of women's rights and gender equality.

As the opening remarks concluded, the Women's Walk participants eagerly embarked on the Women's Walk, a symbolic journey from HMI's office to the Cesar Chavez Community Center down University Ave. The diversity of attendees was evident, spanning from age 5 to 85, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, including people from Afghanistan, Turkey, Canada, and beyond. This rich tapestry of cultural representation added an enriching dimension to the event, underscoring the universal significance of International Women's Day. Clad in vibrant attire and adorned with signs of female empowerment crafted during the earlier activities, walkers brought a palpable energy to the streets. As the group traversed the sidewalks, chants of empowerment reverberated through the microphone at the front, interspersed with upbeat tunes from iconic artists like Beyoncé and Dolly Parton. The lively procession captured the essence of International Women's Day, fostering a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among all who participated. Along the route, bystanders joined in, honking their horns, offering high fives of support, and cheering on the walkers, further amplifying the spirit of unity and celebration.

*Miss Riverside City at the Women’s Day event.*

The highlight of the event was the Open Mic session, where attendees had the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. HMI's Board Member, Amena, from Afghanistan, delivered a powerful message about the importance of education and female empowerment, offering insights into her journey coming from a society that restricts women's freedom. Among the voices heard was Nadwa, a young member of HMI's Afterschool Learning Center, who courageously stepped forward to address the crowd and extend warm wishes for a wonderful Women's Day. Additionally, Ibette, leader of the Women in Amazon partnered group for this event and a previous HMI volunteer, brought her perspective and gratitude for the successful event.

Throughout the event, the theme of investing in women to accelerate progress echoed loudly. As highlighted by the United Nations, achieving gender equality and women’s well-being is crucial for creating prosperous economies and a healthy planet. However, challenges such as the $360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality measures by 2030 underscore the urgent need for collective action. In alignment with this theme, HMI also spotlighted its ongoing fundraiser aimed at supporting Afghan women in obtaining their driver's licenses. By providing women with access to transportation, this initiative seeks to empower them to pursue education and economic independence, breaking down barriers and fostering greater opportunities.

The Women's Day Walk served as a poignant reminder of the progress made in advancing women's rights while acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead. By standing in solidarity with women across the globe, participants demonstrated their commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive world. As the event came to a close, participants departed with a renewed sense of inspiration and determination to continue advocating for gender equality and women's empowerment. HMI remains dedicated to uplifting women everywhere and looks forward to future opportunities to celebrate their contributions and inspire change.

Celebrating Strength and Resilience: Recap of HMI's International Women's Day Walk

EIN: 47-5282110