International Women's Day 2011 a Big Success!!

The Olympic Cellars Winery and Womanfest celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day with a wonderful array of soups and breads. The donation at the door,coupled by a percentage of wine sales, was divided between a local charity (Serenity House) and an international one (Mujeres!). The event was well attended. In addition to the $500 donated to us from the proceeds, Womanfest honored us with a $500 check. What a great evening!

In San Cristobal de las Casas, women from the cooperative also honored this day by marching in the International Women's Day parade. Indigenous women are not accustomed to the concept of "honoring women" because their lives have traditionally been governed by the men in their families and communities. One woman said "We've been taught to put up and shut up." We are so proud of the girls and women who have educational scholarships with us....they are pushing the boundaries and learning that self-determination is possible. The adult women who attend the literacy classes are doing so because they are weary of being on the sidelines, they want to participate in their communities. The women and girls are creating role models which speak loudly to others. Their voices are getting stronger and they are being heard. (At right is Gabriela, our youngest scholarship recipient. She is 13.)

Thanks to Womanfest, Olympic Cellars, and to Molly, one of our directors, a co-owner of Olympic Cellars and the new president of Womanfest. She was very instrumental in making this event a big success.