The Humboldt Regional Newcomer Centre celebrated women at their International Women’s Day with their own Women’s Day event on March 8 at the Community Gathering Place.
Sessions and booths focused on women’s health, from fitness sessions to self care to cancer awareness.
Booths also promoted women entrepreneurs and non-profits with many business owners giving their services for free in honour of the event.
Executive Director, Janine Hart, says the day was about pressing for power and progress towards women’s issues, especially for newcomer women to Canada.
When working with women immigrating to the region, it is important to let them know the opportunities that are available to them, says Hart.
For some women, the possibility of going into the workforce is a first for them, she says.
Hart herself spoke about changing with age, especially in terms of mental health, education and career, and relationship changes. We have to accept those changes, whether they are positive or negative, she says.
“What we do with something that happens to us or to those around us and may impact us, we have to take that on board and move forward with it.”
Sheila Moormann presented on her journey with ovarian cancer. Being diagnosed at the age of 17, Moorman is now on the verge of 65 and is living life to the fullest.
The sky is a beautiful blue and grouchy people do not matter, she says.
Promoting women’s health, including cancer awareness and having that conversation with medical professionals is something that Moormann promotes quite often as a cancer survivor.
“My message was two fold; know your body and know the signs and symptoms, especially of ovarian cancer because it is a silent killer.”
Symptoms can include changes in menstruation, bloating, feeling full quickly, and changes in bowel movements, but these are all symptoms that can be diagnosed as something else, says Moormann.
“That’s why a lot of doctors, even now, shrug (the symptoms) off.”
Whether it is setbacks or success, we celebrate as women, and Hart says, those successes are not celebrated enough.
That being said, Hart says their amazing team, the majority of which are women, at the Newcomers Centre worked hard to make the day a success.
For all women, Hart says women need to take the time to celebrate themselves and take time from their busy day to take care of themselves.
Dr. Megan Parker spoke about self-care promoting women taking care of themselves. Just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference, she says.
