Everyone is encouraged to make their own signs and show up rain or shine at the Lion's Pavilion in Maffeo Sutton Park on Sunday, March 8. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

International Women's Day

Third annual march in Nanaimo to celebrate International Women’s Day

Mar 5, 2020 | 7:11 AM

NANAIMO — The third annual women’s march in Nanaimo hopes to broaden the number of voices being heard.

Co-organizer Melissa Stephens told NanaimoNewsNOW the event on Sunday, March 8 was moved from it’s previous January day to align with International Women’s Day. It was also moved to avoid the difficulties of organizing right after the Christmas Break in a rainy January.

Stephens said organizers hope to focus on equality issues in Nanaimo seen through the lense of International Women’s Day.

“Thinking about what new issues do we need to bring to the table, in terms of talking about things we haven’t talked about in the past,” she said.

The event gathers at the Lion’s Pavilion in Maffeo Sutton Park before the crowd marches to the Nanaimo Entertainment Centre at 11 a.m.

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“The ability to march in the streets or on sidewalks together outside is an important action because there’s lots of conversations that can be created. It’s an informal way of meeting people out in our community and downtown. We get to community build in the streets for the march itself.”

In her years as a co-organizer, Stephens said she’s seen more parents bringing their kids to the event and a younger generation getting their first taste of politics and how it shapes the world.

“Those politics aren’t necessarily through formal elections but through daily actions and activities. I have really good memories of previous marches with children carrying signs and participating in projects.”

Everyone who attends is encouraged to make their own signs and proudly wave them during the march.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit