International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women’s contributions and speak up for change that hinders their full potential. They are the backbone of communities around the world, however their efforts are not always heralded.
St. Albert Interfaith Connections (SAIC), a group of women from half a dozen major world religions are hosting the 2023 International Women’s Day event and are asking the community to submit worthy nominees.
“In the past couple of years, we have wanted to make more interfaith connections. International Women’s Day is an important day of recognition for all women, and we’ve taken this on together. We are a group from many faiths – Latter Day Saints, Christianity, Judaism, Baha’i, Scientology, Islam – and it’s important for all faiths to celebrate women. We want to develop and understand from each other and learn together,” said Leasa Sulz, spokesperson for SAIC.
This year’s theme is Embrace Equity. Within that framework, women have created social, economic, cultural and political impact in the lives of their family, community, nation and even on the international front.
“It’s important to highlight the contributions women make. We underestimate their power and role in the home and their responsibility in the family. It’s also important for women in the community to know their work is valued and very important. There are things women do that is different from men in how they approach things. Their caring and compassion and how they lead,” said Sulz.
She has helped nourish the broader community as a registered nurse with 35 years’ experience and is currently employed as a coordinator at the University of Alberta’s outpatient kidney transplant unit.
Women’s achievements come in many categories: health, education, military, law, Indigenous and Black rights activists, science, technology, the arts, animal rights, volunteers, and youth empowerment to name a few.
“We want to connect with people who are achieving their dreams in creating an equitable future for themselves and for others. If all people work together, we will succeed together.”
Eligible nominees must live in St. Albert, Sturgeon County, Morinville and Legal. Nominators are asked to visit the SAIC website and download a form at www.stalbertbahai.org. Completed forms can be emailed to [email protected]. Individuals are not permitted to nominate themselves. Deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 10 at 9 a.m.
