For one hundred years, on March 8th , International Women's Day has been the symbol of freedom, equality and solidarity for women around the world. International Women's Day is also a celebration of femininity and an appreciation day for all women.

On March 10, 2008 Action for Neighbourhood Change and Antibes Community Centre invited all women of our neighborhood to join our local celebration of this global event. The event is summed up in the following short story:

Sheroes in Our Backyard
By Ilil Ben-Elkana

When I was asked to help organize International Women's Day for the Bathurst-Finch community, I gladly rolled my sleeves. I was self-assured that I could “dig up” some inspiring tale about a woman or women who against all odds have transcended their personal trials and have bettered themselves along with making a worthy social contribution to their community. I wholeheartedly hoped that this story will help to inspire the audience and infuse a dash of optimism about possible improvements to our own neighbourhood.

Following my lead, I anticipated that a few women would volunteer a story of their own about themselves or someone they know. The story was to be reflective of qualities such as: strength, courage, wisdom, and vision. Without much needed encouragement, a woman stood up from among our guests and volunteered to tell her story. Her life's journey touched a cord in us all. She daringly stood in front of about thirty women who she did not know and fought through tears. She spoke in a heartfelt voice; a voice that was pained by the loss of her two young children and the trials of immigrating to a new land. Glancing around the room, the women were wiping their tears as they compassionately listened. The story was abruptly interrupted as the words “MOMMY” were cheerfully roared; her little toddler was in need of a cuddle. We all exhaled a sigh of relief and shared in this joyful moment.

Throughout the evening, we enjoyed a few speeches, activities, food and entertainment. However, the moment that I will cherish of this evening is the one that had illuminated the anonymous woman I had seen walk down the street pushing a stroller, a few weeks earlier, as a spirited Shero.