A candlelight vigil and a performance of empowering memories, monologues and "rants" are two of the ways the GTA plans to celebrate International Women's Day.
Commemorated on March 8 in countries around the world, International Women's Day celebrates the advancements of women, while also advocating for further expansion of human rights for women worldwide. It was first celebrated in 1909 in the United States.
This year's event focuses on uniting women and men to end violence against women and girls.
The York Regional Police Service is hosting a candlelight vigil on Sunday at 7 p.m. in the memory of Brenda Ann Healey, an area women killed as a result of domestic violence in March 2008.
The event will be held in Newmarket's Eldred King Gardens, and will be attended by members of the public and York Region dignitaries.
People wishing to mark the event in Toronto can take in a performance called "A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant and a Prayer," which hits the stage at 6 p.m. at the Heliconian Club, located at 35 Hazelton Ave. in Yorkville.
The event is a compilation of writings and short performance pieces edited by celebrated playwright Eve Ensler, much in the style of her smash hit "The Vagina Monologues." The collection examines the issue of violence against women and girls.
