By Karl Ayotte
Women’s day organizers in Belleville are hoping for a big turnout Thursday for the walk downtown to celebrate International Women’s day.
Organizers are hosting a 25 minute walk start at 11:15 a.m. at Bridge Street United Church. The walk will go on Pinnacle, Victoria, Front Street and then back at the church for a documentary. A Loyalist College Social Services Worker student will be talking about difficulties of girls and women
Mieke Thorne, one for the walk organizers, is expecting younger people to show up tomorrow morning and walk alongside.
“For the first time we have students coming from Nicholson and Quinte Christian and we’re hoping students from Loyalist College, we have put the info out there we’re hoping they will come. Even if they miss a course for once this is worthwhile,” said Thorne.
However, students interviewed weren’t aware that International Women’s day was coming up. Some of the students knew it was coming up soon, but didn’t know when it was.
Loyalist College student Megan Hughes said she didn’t hear about it and she thinks it should be advertised better to raise awareness.
“It should be broadcasted on the radio, TV, Internet or where people go for the media,” she said.
Thorne was surprised by the lack of awareness at the College, but she thinks it’s even more important for people who are aware to spread the word. She said it’s not only for women. Men are also invited to support the event.
She said it’s really hard for a non-governmental organization to raise awareness as they work with a small budget and most of the work is done by word of mouth.
“Maybe next year we’re going to have to get a sponsor or something to get more publicity,” She said jokingly.
Thorne wants Loyalist students to be more aware of what’s happening in the world and she wants older people to inspire the youth to continue the work that they’ve done.
“In this country a lot of people can do many things, but we are still not totally there and as long as there are other people in the world and even here who feel they don’t have as many rights it’s important for us to stand up.”
For those who can’t attend the walk in the morning, there will be another gathering at Belleville Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Two guest speakers will be there and the documentary will be shown one more time.