March 8 will mark a major day of international celebration for the economic, political, and social achievements of women. A local group – the South Asian Family Association (SAFA) – is preparing for their first annual International Women’s Day Celebration at Surrey’s SFU campus.
Senator Mobina Jaffer and former British Columbia Teachers Federation (BCTF) president Jinny Sims are two of women who will be joining SAFA in the marking of this global celebration.
Jaffer was the first African and Muslim woman of South Asian descent appointed to the Senate in 2001. She was born in Uganda and holds a bachelor of laws degree from London University in England and completed the Executive Development Program at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby. She was the first South Asian lawyer in B.C. She has also been appointed to the Chair of the Canadian Committee of Women Peace and Security.
Jaffer has been noted for her work in the areas of equality and justice for women of colour and the struggle to end violence against all women. Jaffer will be taking to the stage at 12:30 p.m. to deliver the keynote speaker address.
“Change is taking place, we are moving forward,” Jaffer said. “Our efforts are paying off so please stay strong. The work of one woman is like a stone dropped into the water. The ripples cast go on and on.”
Complete at the source: Surrey Leader
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