Rural Women Celebrate Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College are planning a "lunch and learn" session to talk about the challenges of rural and global communities and the use of herbal remedies.

The session will take place at the Upper Nine Mile River Community Hall on Thursday, March 8.

The theme will be Rural Women, Here and Abroad: A Celebration of International Women’s Day. It will feature local and international speakers and will focus on the diverse challenges that have positively influenced on our rural and global communities. As well, there will be discussion on traditional home remedies and how this knowledge has been passed down through the generations.

"This event emphasizes the positive impact women have made, not only here in Canada and in our province but all over the world, to create change in our communities," says Winnie Forbes, president of the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia.

Speakers will include Dr. Ellen McLean, past president of the Associated Country Women of the World, and Margreet van der Burg, visiting scholar from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Ms. Van der Burg and Deborah Stiles of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College will report briefly on their research examining rural women’s use of home and herbal remedies in Nova Scotia and the other Maritime provinces. As well, Ms. Stiles will give an update on the project, which has involved the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia.

"Rural Women: Here and Abroad" will begin at noon. Chili and chowder luncheon will be provided free of charge by the Nine Mile River Homemakers Women’s Institute Branch. This event will be held at the Upper Nine Mile River Community Hall. All are welcome to attend.