NEWS RELEASE

Vero Beach women were “hanging tough” Saturday when they met in Indian River Shores to celebrate International Women’s Day.  Relative to this year’s IWD theme of inspiring change, each shared their unique story of success and how they overcame obstacles to get to where they are today.

The list of those attending the International Women’s Day celebration sponsored by the Un Women East Florida Chapter ranked from the top tier of business women in Indian River County to women’s rights groups and those needing support.  “On this day, we pay tribute to countless women around the world who are making changes everyday as they go about their daily lives,” said Chapter Board Treasurer, Robin Dapp.

“We are here today to inspire each other to face challenges, break status quo and celebrate the achievements of women,” said Lalita Janke, Chapter Board President.  She continued by urging women and men alike to advocate women’s advancement everywhere.  “We should hold each other up to survive in a world that is all too often economically unfair to women.”

This year, the women watched two documentaries shown at the Athena Film Festival, one of which told the brave story of a  “women only” tribe in Africa who uncharacteristically left their former tribes, which supported the abuse of women, to create a safe haven of their own.

Facilitated by Chapter member, Claudia Jimenez, the roundtable discussions that followed were lively as the attendees passionately exchanged ideas on how Vero Beach residents can make a difference locally and globally.

The US National Committee for UN Women is an independent non-profit group that supports the mission of UN Women and social, political and economic equality for women and girls around the world.

Anyone interested in being a part of the local chapter may contact Lalita Janke at 772-633-0904 or email her at 1lalitajanke@gmail.com.