On March 8th, 2025, the main canteen at Ru Paré buzzed with energy and enthusiasm as people from all walks of life gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event, co-organized by five remarkable organizations — ATKB, SHE Home Empowerment, ADE Eritrea, Samenwonen-Samenleven, and Road of Hope (ROH) — shone a spotlight on pressing issues such as discrimination against women, violence, and gender inequality.
The event emphasized the ongoing fight of women for equality, with speeches tackling crucial topics such as the gender pay gap, workplace discrimination, and the need for stronger policies to support women’s rights. Among the inspiring speakers were Suzan el Safti, Community Service Learning project officer at the Vrije Universiteit, and Lisa Viktorsson, a trade union leader dedicated to improving the position of women in the workplace. Their powerful words resonated deeply with the audience, shedding light on both the struggles and the strides made in the pursuit of gender equality.
One of the key highlights of the event was the series of powerful speeches, including a moving address by the city councilor, who emphasized the importance of unity and continued advocacy for women’s rights. Attendees also enjoyed an array of live musical performances, adding a vibrant and celebratory tone to the day’s proceedings.
Road of Hope played a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success by organizing a team of dedicated volunteers to watch over children in a separate room. This thoughtful initiative allowed parents and guardians to fully immerse themselves in the event, listening to inspiring stories and engaging in meaningful conversations without distraction.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Tatev Pardjinjan, the representative of Road of Hope at the event, shared: “The event was well visited, with more visitors than last year. Everyone enjoyed great food and live music and celebrated women together.”
As the celebration came to a close, the sense of solidarity and shared purpose lingered in the air — a powerful reminder that the fight for gender equality continues, but so does the collective strength of those committed to making a difference.
International Women’s Day 2025 at Ru Paré was not just an event — it was a bold statement of resilience, unity, and hope for a more equitable future.