A celebration of women

Students and faculty at Okanagan College celebrated International Women’s Day, Tuesday, marking the achievements of women and spreading awareness of the challenges they still face.

Student union members handed out cupcakes and T-shirts, and posed woman-themed trivia questions.

Organizers wanted to keep things fun and lighthearted, while spreading awareness about important issues.

“It’s not so much to highlight really divisive issues,” said Chelsea Grisch. “Its more just like, ‘Hey, women didn’t used to be able to vote, now they can. In some places they still can’t – that’s a problem.’”

International Women’s Day is held around the world and is a statutory holiday in some countries.

The day meant different things to different people, but similar themes rang true among many who came by.

“It’s a good avenue to love on women, where they’re at, and what they’re going through,” said Allie Vanhooren, a student and volunteer at Helping Out People Exploited, an organization that helps women on the streets.

Issues like the pay gap between women and men in the workplace, addressing rape culture, and educating women around the world were some of the areas some people at the event are concerned about. 

Photo: Nicholas Johansen