Women's Day Celebrated

It's International Women's Day as thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements.

The International Women of Swift Current are putting on their event on Sunday evening.

"It's also a chance for women from different countries, different backgrounds to get together and share experiences," said Co-Chair Anne Moola. "The topic is women and girls inspiring leadership. So we're hoping to inspire some of the women in our audience."

Shaunavon Mayor Sharon Dickie will be one of the guest speakers.

“18 years ago when I joined Shaunavon Town Council there were very few women aldermen at that time across the province or even in Canada," Dickie said. "It's taken a long time for this grow and women, themselves, have to make these changes.”

In Swift Current, Rachel May was the first woman elected to council in 1936. Swift Current's first Local Council of Women was founded in 1918.

This year's event is scheduled for 6pm on Sunday at First United Church in Swift Current.

Another way to mark International Women's Day is this weekend's performance of the Vagina Monologues in Swift Current.

Actor and Director Christine Ciona says the show is a great  opportunity to educate and inspire people.

“The messages in the show itself are empowering. The different monologue pieces are...vulnerable, they're tender stories about what it means to be a woman, about what it means to have your voice.”

While Ciona says women have come a long way, she adds it's important to remember that 1 in 3 women are still victims of physical abuse.

Proceeds from the shows Friday and Saturday night at the Lyric go towards Southwest Crisis Services.

Tickets are available at Pharmasave.

Penny Schreiner interviews Shaunavon Mayor Sharon Dickie:


Shawn Mullin interviews Vagina Monologues Director Christine Ciona:


Shawn Mullin interviews International Women of Swift Current Co-Chair Anne Moola: