The Tribune

WOMEN, men and children in Freeport, Grand Bahama, will be joining together at the Garden of the Groves to celebrate International Women’s Day as they walk across the Bridge in solidarity with others from around the world who believe in peace and equality for all.

“Join me on the Bridge” is one of the biggest women’s rights campaigns in the world.

What started as a gathering of Rwandan and Congolese women on a bridge connecting their two countries, showing that women could build bridges of peace and hope for the future, has sparked what is today a massive global movement. Last year people joined together on all seven continents on over 400 bridges in 60 Countries, including bridges in Afghanistan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Canada, the United States and the Bahamas.

Women for Women International, a charity that helps women in areas of conflict to rebuild their lives, originally orchestrated the global campaign.

The concept is simple: women, men and children, whether it’s three or 3,000, or more, can join together on a bridge near them to celebrate and show support for women.

This year’s event will be held on Friday, March 8 from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Attendees will celebrate with art, music, refreshments and the signing of a peace banner.

New additions to this year’s event include an essay competition for Grand Bahama High School girls, and a group dinner at the Garden Cafe directly following the event, which is open to the public.

Lynette McInnes, who has organised the event since its inception in 2010, said: “By joining me on the bridge on March 8, you will be standing in solidarity with women, men and children from all over the world who are celebrating the achievements of generations of women before us while shining a spotlight on the issues still facing women here in the Bahamas and around the world. I’m hoping that you take time out of your day to stand with us. Will you join me on the bridge?”

The essay contest was added in the hopes of inspiring young women to explore and reflect on women’s rights and equality in the Bahamas.
Students have been asked to write an original essay of 500 words or less on the question: “What do women’s rights and equality mean for me?”

Essays will be judged based on theme, originality, clarity of thought, organisation, grammar and spelling.

One winner from Grand Bahama will receive the grand prize of $100 cash.

The winner will also be included in the 4th annual “Join me on the Bridge” opening ceremony.