Celebrating womanhood

PORT Elizabeth’s Alliance Française is hosting a Women’s Day exhibition and seminar this weekend with human rights activist and NMMU lecturer Janet Cherry and poet Lelethu “PoeticSoul” Mahambehlala.

The exhibition, which coincides with its open day, starts at 10.30am on Saturday in Mackay Street, Richmond Hill. This day was chosen as March 8 is International Women’s Day, although in South Africa Women’s Day is marked on August 9.

Alliance Française cultural coordinator and organiser of the event Sandra Jeannin said the day aims to inform, educate and encourage.

“The focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political, and social achievements.

“There will be free introductory French and Xhosa classes for adults, guests stand the chance to win one free French course.

“There will be public reading and plays by students and music by Faye Gatley,” Jeannin said.

“This day is also designated by the United Nations marking a strong, political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide.

“In the French context historian Renée Coté in 1980s, uncovered the origins of the March 8 date for International Women's Day in her research published in 1984 in Canada. The UN theme for International Women's Day 2014 is equality for women is progress for all.”

The event ends at 2pm and entrance is free.

• For more information contact Sandra on (041) 585-7889.