REGINA – Waves of red cloth flowed along the Albert Memorial Bridge this afternoon, as a show of support to women across the globe.
“All women in the world usually wear a scarf one way or another, so women connect through scarves – they’re the connecting link,” said Regina Immigrant Women Centre executive director Neelu Sachdev, holding a long red scarf.
The 3 p.m. demonstration was part of a global movement to stand with women survivors of war, civil strife, and other conflicts.
The demonstration was one of several events in the province that took place for International Women’s Day. This year’s theme, declared by the United Nations, is: “Equality for women is progress for all.” The organization said the day is a time to reflect on progress made and accomplishments in women’s equality.
Saskatchewan chose its own theme, opting for: “Communities in Action: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.”
While women in other countries face significantly worse situations compared to Canada, Regina Qu’Appelle Valley MLA Laura Ross stressed there are still some problems here.
“We still have violent situations within homes that we have to make sure that women and children are not subjected to that,” said Ross, who spoke on Friday at a University of Regina panel titled: “Professional Life: Balance Work and Family.”
The panel also featured writer-director Zarqa Nawaz, who told the crowd about her struggles with familial and societal pressures to be a homemaker.
“You know, women aren’t just to look after families, they’re to look after the world,” said the “Little Mosque on the Prairie” creator.
Over the decades, women have become further represented in more field of work, but there is stagnation.
“It is one thing to get through the door, and it is another thing to achieve the higher ranks of your profession,” said professor Nilgun Onder.
International Women’s Day started over 100 years ago.
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