The Wake

Illustration by Sarah Morean

The increased visibility of women in roles of political leadership – especially Hillary Clinton’s omnipresence as a presidential candidate – made the theme of the 13th annual International Women’s Day Celebration and Workshop on Saturday, March 15th particularly timely. Presented by The Advocates for Human Rights, the event ran under the theme “Women Leading for Gender Justice.” The day was filled with opportunities for women of all backgrounds, ages and races to explore the unique female leadership experience, as it is understood around the world.

This year’s celebration held a special meaning for indigenous women because in September 2007 the U.N. General Assembly voted to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This declaration states that native peoples have the right “to the recognition, observance and enforcement of treaties” concluded with States or their successors.

The declaration also prohibits discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them. Along with Canada, the United States was one of only four countries to oppose the declaration for fear of conflicting interest between indigenous groups and the government.

The keynote address was given by Robin Morgan, an award-winning poet, novelist, political theorist and best-selling author. Morgan’s words gave a tone of optimism, determination and sisterhood that carried throughout the day. The day’s activities included a photo history of influential women, workshops on “Women in Armed Conflict,” and tables featuring arts and crafts from all over the world.

Luella Greene’s “Voices and Images of Women” exhibit depicted a photo timeline of extraordinary female athletes, artists, entertainers and activists who changed the course of history through bold actions and unmatched resolve.

As visitors read about the lives of these incredible women, an elderly lady, nearing at least 80 years old, slowly walked into the exhibit, her back hunched and her steps soft. As she stared at the photos and read the descriptions, she whispered a nearly inaudible and fascinated “wow.” Spanning generations, Greene’s photographs evoke a feeing of pride and hope in any woman whether she is a 19-year-old college freshman or a spry octogenarian.

Multiple hour-long workshops were held early in the day on topics as diverse as “Safe in a New Home: Women and Asylum, with a focus on Kenya and Cameroon” and “Local Women Respond to Global Water Crisis.” International Women’s Day is meant to celebrate the struggle of women that has persisted to present day, but it also serves as a time for women to come together and recognize the contemporary issues they face.

According to Robin Phillips, Executive Director for The Advocates for Human Rights, some of the main issues women still struggle with today are violence, equal access to education and economic opportunities, and the disproportionate response to terrorism, which has diverted attention and funds away from the plight of the female American.

Particularly insightful was the “Plenary Panel on Women and Indigenous Communities” with panelists Teresa Ortiz, State Senator Mee Moua, and Laura Waterman Wittstock. The panelists clearly articulated that violence against women is still very real and prevalent in today’s society.

Laura Wittstock of the Seneka tribe described the unique position of women in her tribe, “I am the inheritor of the land,” she stated, and “we wish to re-establish women as the head of a household, which is a Seneka cultural tradition.” As for the future, Wittstock was “hopeful” but has observed that “women don’t have the luxury of being mediocre leaders” as men do, and must often work harder to obtain a similar position of leadership in a community.

Teresa Ortiz gave a separate, yet strikingly similar account of an indigenous woman’s experience in Latin America. Ortiz noted that it is often common for indigenous groups to turn their frustration with the government inward, resulting in low-intensity conflict against women such as rape or harassment.

A passionate and stalwart Ortiz asserted that “enough is enough; we do not want a world where we are not here. Indigenous people are here.” It is thanks to women like Ortiz that the future for indigenous communities in the United States will continue to progress toward social equality.

As the day came to an end, the women attendees gathered to watch a final performance by singer song-writer Maria Isa. Isa has been recognized for dedication to the celebration of her Puerto Rican heritage through music and political activism. Her lyrics reference feminist icons like Frida Kahlo, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Evita Peron and advocate for social change. A fitting end to the day, Isa’s performance seemed to usher in a new generation of passionate women willing to join together to move forward.