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RED TALKS

International Women’s Day event to call for accelerated action on gender equality

Feb 19, 2025 | 12:04 PM

On this International Women’s Day, March 8, residents are invited to participate in Red Talks, an event focused on accelerating action to achieve gender equality.

The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cenovus Energy Learning Common in Red Deer Polytechnic’s (RDP) main campus.

“Red Talks is a space for women to talk about special issues; it’s a community-wide celebration that brings us all together as agencies, individuals, and women who are committed to building now and for the future,” says Jaelene Tweedle, Community Resource Specialist at Sendero Centre.

Hosted by the Sendero Centre and the Soroptimist International of Central Alberta, local businesses, families and individuals are all invited to participate.

There will be local organizations and partners present at the event, awards, and keynote speakers including Alana Peters, Shannon Humphrey, Dr. Kelly Simo, Chelsea O’Donoghue, Dieulita Datus-Hall, Rachel Francis, Melody Klinck, Deena Kordt, Gracie George and Marrisa Moccasin.

The International Women’s Day Foundation says events like this highlight the call for greater momentum and urgency to address the systemic barriers and biases women face in both personal and professional spheres.

“At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 – that’s about five generations from now – to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum,” says Tweedle. “We need greater momentum and urgency to address the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.”

Event organizers intend for participants to recognize that as individuals, we have the power to make a positive impact on the advancement of women in our daily lives. They say that through challenging, questioning and celebrating, individuals and communities can contribute to meaningful change.

“The vision for Red Talks is a day that inspires, connects and celebrates women,” says Tweedle.

Tickets are available online for $15 each or $25 for a group of three.