BradfordToday received the following article submission from Sukham Dhindsa, co-founder of the Bradford Women's+ Group. It has been edited by BradfordToday staff. To submit to BradfordToday, email [email protected], and please include your name and daytime phone number (for verification purposes, not publication).
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The Bradford Women’s+ Group’s International Women’s Day event on March 4, 2019 featured four strong, empowered women in the community who bravely shared their stories of resilience, perseverance and strength to the more than 50 women+ in attendance.
The event kicked off with a short, powerful video highlighting the need for gender equality. The co-founders of the group provided a brief women’s history, then gave attendees time to mingle and participate in activities that included a photobooth, and enjoy the snacks donated by Sweet B’s Bakery and tea donated by David’s Tea. They could also speak with Cynthia Riley, of the Bradford Welcome Wagon.
After some light-hearted fun, the women+ turned their attention to speakers Mina Viscardi-Johnson, Aysha Imtiaz, Jessica Corbett, and Jessica Van de Kemp, who bravely shared their unique experiences with the group.
Mina Viscardi-Johnson, wife, mother and resident of Bradford for more than nine years, shared her weight-loss journey and the important message that “it’s about more than food.” This understanding helped her stop repeating the pattern of “another Monday start” by finding her strength, removing negativity from her life, and surrounding herself with “her tribe.”
Aysha Imtiaz, political leader, community activist, humanitarian, professor, writer, linguist and mentor, shared her experiences working at some of the most prominent and impactful international governmental agencies, and the life lessons she learned along the way. She emphasized the need for women to not diminish their own roles, knowledge, and power.
Jessica Corbett, a proud Latina, lifelong resident of Bradford, avid mental-health and LGBTQ+ advocate, shared her experiences growing up as an adopted child in Canada, the challenges she faced as a young person, and the love and support from her parents that guided her through her life. Corbett aims to create safe and inclusive spaces while empowering those around her, both in and out of the counselling setting. She also volunteers her time each week at the Bradford Women’s+ Group events to provide support, if needed, to the women+ in attendance.
Jessica Van de Kemp, an award-winning teacher, poet, and PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo, wowed the group with her passionate performance of an original poem titled Sisters. She shared her journey, discovering the art of spoken word, which taught her that speaking your truth can provide the opportunity for healing and regaining your power.
The Bradford Women’s+ Group would like to thank some of the community leaders who briefly attended to show their support, and the participants who donated a large quantity of hygiene items for the Helping Hand Food Bank.
The next event of the Bradford Women’s+ Group, on the topic of Financial Empowerment, will be held April 1, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Zima Room at the BWG Public Library. It will be led by financial expert Marlene Falcon. Space is limited so registration is required. Women+ ages 18 and older are invited to register via the link advertised on the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Those wanting to attend can also email the group at [email protected].
A reminder: The group is a safe space for women+ ages 18+. The group cannot offer child care at this time and respectfully asks attendees to leave their little ones at home.
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