"Join Me on the Bridge," an annual meet-up event encouraged by the nonprofit organization Women for Women International, will commemorate next Tuesday's International Women's Day.
Last year, in honor of the day, I selected the Grotto bridge behind Ireland Library on south campus, as a symbol of bridges hidden away within our own communities, quietly awaiting discovery, offering contemplation on the ways we each can bridge the gaps of difference and unawareness toward healing.
At 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 7, in honor of International Women's Day, anyone interested in gathering can bring a candle to the Grotto bridge, to gather for a brief candlelight vigil to usher in International Women's Day, which is Tuesday, March 8.
Continuing somewhat the theme of beauty from last year's gathering – Woman as Fine Art – I would like to consider our candles as illuminating the inner beauty of women's strength and resiliency in the face of adversity, especially honoring those "sisters we have yet to meet," who endure continuing hardships of war, poverty, prejudice and other forms of oppression.
Thanks especially to Jane Tate, a senior music major, for initiating this year's gathering at the bridge. Jane has made a Facebook event page for this; more information about the event on an international level can be found at Women for Women International.
I invite you to pass along this invitation to staff, students, faculty, friends and family members who might be interested in participating. And if you have suggestions for readings, song, ritual, etc., for the gathering, please contact me or Jane.
Hope to see you there, either in person or in spirit.
