March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a celebration that the Johnson County United Nations Association (JCUNA) honours every year with a fundraiser for local women-led nonprofits and a related U.N. agency. This year’s focus is on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which promotes good health and well-being, fundraising for the Free Medical and Dental Clinic, the Prairielands Freedom Fund, and the U.N.’s Healthy Start for Kids programme.
In December, JCUNA convened a roundtable with local nonprofits to discuss human rights within the community, ensuring their efforts in 2025 are relevant and aligned with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Participants included organisations supporting unhoused individuals, the formerly incarcerated, African American women and girls, domestic abuse survivors, refugees, immigrants, and the food insecure, helping to share experiences and insights.
This year’s International Women’s Day celebration will showcase a tapestry of languages, such as Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, and Swahili, reflecting JCUNA’s commitment to multiculturalism. By providing English subtitles, the event aims to challenge stereotypes associated with non-English speakers and honour the health needs of refugees and immigrants, aligning with the principles of dignity and respect.
The Free Medical Clinic embodies the belief that health care is a fundamental human right, while Prairielands fosters bonds that assist immigrant families navigating the U.S. legal system. The Healthy Start initiative is vital for vaccination efforts reaching one million children in East African refugee camps, addressing the plight of children amid conflicts in Sudan and the Congo.
Scheduled for March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Coralville, the Night of a Thousand Dinners invites attendees to savour Togolese cuisine while standing in solidarity for human rights. Tickets are available until March 1 via Eventbrite, and potential guests can find more details on the JCUNA website and Facebook page, with no tickets sold at the door.
March 8 is International Women’s Day, commemorated by JCUNA with a fundraiser supporting local women-led nonprofits and the U.N. initiative for health. This year focuses on SDG #3 for health and well-being. A roundtable discussion highlighted the need for addressing human rights in the community, bringing together various organisations. The Night of a Thousand Dinners will be held on March 6, promoting health access and community unity through fundraising.
The Johnson County United Nations Association’s event for International Women’s Day champions human rights, health, and community support. By honouring local organisations and inviting diverse community voices, they foster understanding and activism. The Night of a Thousand Dinners is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and raise funds vital for vulnerable groups, affirming that human rights apply to all.
Original Source: www.thegazette.com
