Interview with SowHope administrator Aaron Hoxworth about the International Women’s Day celebration in West Michigan.

EMMA – What is the main purpose of the planned activities for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8?

SOWHOPE- International Women’s Day is a global holiday that is celebrated with fanfare and parades in many countries. All people will march through the streets, playing loud music and waving flags of their native country. We wanted to bring this beautiful type of celebration to West Michigan, to honor women around the world, and recognize women leaders from our own community.

EMMA – What is the average participation in IWD events?

SOWHOPE- This is our second year having this style of celebration and we hope to bring 150-250 people to the event. In past holidays, depending on the type of event, we’ve had anywhere between 75 – 200 people attend. Thousands will turn out to this type of celebration in other countries.

EMMA – Why is it important to observe IWD?

SOWHOPE- As stated by the official International Women’s Day website, we believe observing International Women’s Day is “a great opportunity to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity.” This holiday gives the public an occasion to remember and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of women worldwide and in our local community.

EMMA – How and when did SowHope get involved?

SOWHOPE – SowHope has been one of the only West Michigan organizations celebrating International Women’s Day on its official day (March 8^th) since the organization was founded in 2006. As an organization with the mission of inspiring women around the world by promoting wellness, education, and economic opportunities, we believe we must help the community celebrate IWD.

EMMA – What’s new this year in IWD?

SOWHOPE- We have three local female musical artists who will be performing original music at the event! The event remains free and open to the public.

EMMA – How do you get the word out?

SOWHOPE – We’ve contacted local businesses, partnered with the city of Grand Rapids and DGRI, and sent letters, emails, and invites through our social media. We’ve seen out a press release to local media and, finally, we’ve made phone calls and done our best with grassroots efforts. We encourage everyone to share our Facebook event page, social media posts, and website event page information!

EMMA – How does this event compare to other Women’s Celebrations? And how is it different?

SOWHOPE- It is the only one of its kind in the area! We’ve seen for years that the only consistent Women’s Day events in the West Michigan area are confined to conferences, many of which are not free or open to the public. This event is unique because it’s downtown Grand Rapids, outdoors; a very visible celebration of the holiday that’s free and open to the public. It’s a celebratory atmosphere, it’s loud and fun, and we want everyone to be able to walk away with a smile and a sense of honor for women. It’s also celebrated on March 8^th, the official holiday!

EMMA – If you could give me a final comment about your hopes and expectations from this year’s IWD?

SOWHOPE – We want to continue to create broader visibility for the global holiday. Our dream is to have thousands of people attend an International Women’s Day festival, parading around the city as a community, and sharing a celebration for the incredible achievements of women around the world and in our own community. Continuing to have this event every year, rain (or snow) or shine, is another step towards that goal.

A quote from Mary Dailey Brown, the President & CEO of SowHope:

“We are excited to bring the global festive spirit of International Women’s Day to the area! This is a day to commemorate the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women. All over the world, there are big celebrations for IWD, let’s join in West Michigan!”

Schedule of IWD activities in Grand Rapids

The activities are planned for Friday, March 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in downtown Grand Rapids with a one-mile walk beginning and ending at Calder Plaza.

Organizer SowHope has selected IWD’s honorees; they are Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss (left) who will be receiving the Political Achievement Award and Fridah Kanini (right) will receive the Cultural and Social Achievement Award.

Bliss is the first woman mayor of Grand Rapids, while Kanini has created cultural awareness in the Grand Rapids area, and a sense of belonging for the African community.

“Join us in honoring these wonderful women leaders,” said SowHope founder and CEO Mary Dailey Brown.

The event begins at 12:00 p.m. with the awards presentation. Afterward, participants will march around the city of Grand Rapids in a one-mile-long walk holding flags of their native countries and wearing purple.

Local female musical artists Grace Thiesen and Carolyn Koebel will be featured after the march concludes.

Kanini is the owner and founder of A Glimpse of Africa (AGOA) which is a non-profit organization that serves and advocates for African immigrants and refugees in the Grand Rapids area and other parts of Michigan who are underserved. Fridah is a courageous and exceptional leader.

For the first two years of AGOA’s operation, Kanini wore multiple hats in the organization and she was relentless just to making sure her community was heard, seen, and served.

“Fridah’s resilience, continuous dedication, hard work and genuine love for her community is what I admire most about her,” Brown said.

Brown founded SowHope 17 years ago to empower women all around the globe.

Former educator Lynn Mason of Belding participated in several IWD events during her work in National Education Association ( NEA ) in the 1990s and 2000s.

“Of course, it’s an important event,” she said. “Especially in those countries where women’s rights are ignored. I went to the Women’s March in DC several years ago.”

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