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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
Women for Women volunteer, Lynette McInnes gives remarks on International Women's Day at the Grand Bahama Labyrinth on March 8th, 2011. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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Freeport, Grand Bahama - On March 8th, the 100 anniversary of International Women's Day, a small group of women, men and children in The Bahamas met at the Labyrinth at the Garden of the Groves to commemorate the occasion by sharing in a drink, some words, and then gathered for a photo on a small bridge within the Groves to assist in the call for an end to war and to demonstrate the bridge of peace and development for the future.
The event,
Join Women on the Bridge,
was organized by Women for Women volunteer, Lynette McInnes. After the commemorative photo on the bridge was taken, everyone walked to the Garden Cafe to sign the peace banner. This was the second year the event took place in Grand Bahama.
Mrs. McInnes shared the following remarks with those gathered:
"Good evening and welcome to the 2nd Annual “Join Me on the Bridge”.
Today
is the 100th Anniversary of International Woman’s Day, a global event
to show support for women’s causes and to celebrate women’s
achievements.
Over the years, great progress has been made for
women economically, politically, and socially, however, unfortunately
there are places that have become worse, including the Democratic
Republic of Congo and Afghanistan -- known as, “two of the most
dangerous places in the world to be a woman.”
By joining me
today, you are standing along with Women and Men from all over the world
who are gathering on bridges to call for an end to war and to
demonstrate that we can build the bridges of peace and development for
the future.
Women gathered on International Women's Day 2011 in the Garden of the Groves in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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The idea for Join Me on the Bridge came from the
Country Directors of WfWI’s programs in Rwanda and the Democratic
Republic of Congo. Women from communities often at odds decided to come
together on a bridge which borders their two countries to unite for
peace and to end violence against women.
This year it has grown to over 300 events in 53 countries across 6 continents!
There
are handouts available with more information and details about women’s
issues and ways in which you can help, including through WfWI, a
nonprofit that helps women in areas of conflict to rebuild their lives
((through education, financial and emotional support, jobs and business
training)).
There is also a peace banner that I invite you to sign that will be at the Cafe.
In
a moment, we will proceed to the bridge where some photos will be
taken, and then move on to the Garden Cafe, where delicious
complimentary h’or d'oeuvres await.
I would like to THANK those who made this event possible:
The Garden of the Groves (a wonderful host, and the “Heart of Grand Bahama”)
The Grand Bahama Labyrinth, and Barbara Chester
Women for Women International
PluriME International
Michael David Winery of Lodi, California
Dave Mackey of The Bahamas Weekly (photos)
And, most of all I’d like to THANK YOU ALL for Joining Me! "
After the gathering, everyone enjoyed complimentary nibbles and drinks by Garden Cafe.
www.womenforwomen.org
Founder of the Grand Bahama Labyrinth, Barbara Chester brings remarks on how Labyrinths are spiritual bridges. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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As thousands of women across the world gathered for International Women's Day, Freeport, Grand Bahama participated in this gathering "Meet Women on the Bridge" at Garden of the Groves in Grand Bahama Island on March 8th, 2011. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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Participants of "Meet me on the Bridge" sign the peace banner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day in Grand Bahama Island at Garden of the Groves. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
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