In celebration of International Women’s Day today, the Kinette Club of Timmins has launched a year-long campaign to celebrate women in the community.
For the former national president of Kin Canada Erin Thomson, International Women's Day is a time to break down barriers, celebrate the strength that women have and embrace the leadership they provide.
“Having the opportunity to travel across the country and see the amazing things that women in Kin are doing has been an endless source of inspiration,” she said.
“My mom was a Kinette when I was young. Unfortunately, she passed away when I was very little," Thomson said. "The other members of the Kinette Club really stepped in and became mother figures to me, showed me what leadership is about. And what courage and dedication and strength can do for our community."
The campaign strives to honour women in Timmins, who are innovators, volunteers, freelancers, entrepreneurs and visionaries that empower other women.
Initially, the idea was to celebrate leaders from the club, Thomson said. Club members were inspired by Rosie the Riveter and what she symbolizes, so they ordered a bunch of red polka dot scarves to use as club attire.
At the last committee meeting, club members decided to highlight the women of Timmins instead of keeping the celebration internally.
“If you’re a woman, you can be nominated. If you identify as a woman, you can be nominated,” Thomson said.
Each week, the club will be highlighting a modern-day Rosie. As nominations are received, the club will reach out to nominated women asking them about leadership and what inspires them to lead other women as well as post their biography and do a mini photo-shoot with one of the pin-up scarves.
UN Women’s 2021 theme is “Women in leadership” and how women make an impact in a pandemic world. Because Kin Canada is all about leadership development, the two missions “melted together beautifully,” Thomson said.
Thomson said every club member, past or present, locally or nationally, has inspired her.
“I would encourage people to nominate the women, leaders who have inspired them. It’s just a way to show a little bit of love and really celebrate these modern-day Rosies,” she said.
To send a nomination, email [email protected] or contact the club on Facebook.
