IWD 2017

The Iranian Circle of Women's Intercultural Network (ICWIN) celebrated the 2017 International Women's Day (IWD) on Saturday March 11th, 2017 at The Grand Event Center in Long Beach, California.

The theme of this year's program was "Unity For Diversity, Be Bold For Change".

As the year before and based on a popular demand the IWD celebration started with the great music of all female Grupo Bella Mariachi Band.

The opening remarks was done by MC, Shila Vosough Ommi, the Iranian-American actor, writer, director and producer, who welcomed guests on behalf of the ICWIN organizing committee.

Sudi Farokhnia, member of ICWIN steering committee, talked about the importance of International Women's Day and it's recognition all around the world, its significance in relation to today’s current affairs and the importance of awareness in today’s socio-economic condition.

Council Women Suzie Price was the next speaker who talked about “Leadership During Times of Change” and what it takes to make sure women’s interests are reflected in legislations at all levels.

Nazanin Boniadi, actress and human rights activist with Amnesty International sent a video message congratulating IWD.

Dr. Shweta Adur Assistant Professor of Women and Gender Studies at California State University, Fullerton, was the next speaker speaking on “The Prospects and Challenges of “Women’s Rights as Human Rights””.

The keynote speaker of the event was Dr. Todd Jennings, a professor in the College of Education at California State University, San Bernardino and Director of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Program, who spoke about the important issue of “Women rights and Masculinity”.

The program ended with Sheida Mohammadi’s poetry and the music of Hamsafaran.

Art Exhibition was organized and curated by Shahla Bebe, member of ICWIN steering committee and displayed the work of artists:  Dr. Zarrin Azadi, Azad Azizyan, Shahla Bebe, Gail Billings-Beck, Nora Gabbi, Mojdeh Habibi, Hanieh Mohamadbagher, Aida Shabani, Niloufar Zerehpoush Rouse.

Authors displaying their books were Mehrnoosh Mazaheri, Mahdokht Sanaati, Sheida Mohammadi and Zoe Nicholson.