Sofifran celebrates the contribution of women in its community

As part of International Women’s Rights Day, Sofifran welcomed the women of its community on March 9 to celebrate this important occasion at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Thorold.

The evening, hosted by Justine Djoléi Gogoua, featured personal stories, plenty of sharing among women from many different communities, a dinner of exotic flavours prepared by chef Yorly, and a performance by actor and director Said Benyoucef inspired by One Thousand and One Nights.

To open the evening, the host went from table to table so that participants could take a moment to reflect on their reality as women and feel a sense of pride. “Most of the time, we know how to move things forward in our own lives and in society,” she said. “Women are the key to everything. Without them, there is nothing! And loving yourself matters a great deal.”

Sofifran’s president, Gina Isidore, then took the floor. “This International Women’s Rights Day should be held 365 days a year, because we women never stop,” she said. “We wear many hats. We are mothers, wives, teachers and psychologists, to name only a few.” She went on to thank the evening’s sponsors and the organization’s many partners.

After her remarks, the organization’s leaders paid tribute to Nyarayi Kapisavanhu, president of Sofifran from 2018 to 2021, and expressed their gratitude to her. She serves as vice-chair of the Niagara Region Police Service Board, where she became the first Black woman elected in March 2023. She also chairs the Niagara District Council of Women and sits on the board of directors of Brock University.

Seven years ago, she launched a mentorship program for Black youth aimed at improving the economy, education and well-being of marginalized communities through local action, in Europe and in Southern Africa. Ms. Kapisavanhu thanked Sofifran’s executive director, Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi.

“Maman Fété has always been there for me and has always encouraged me to believe in myself,” said the outgoing president. “It is often hard to believe in your own potential, especially when there are people around you who do not believe in you. Thank you, Fété, for giving me the chance to serve the community through Sofifran. That experience is what taught me what a community truly is, and it is how I learned to find my way through the many services and organizations in Niagara. My path was shaped by meeting Maman Fété, and I receive this tribute from you with humility.”

A buffet was then served so that guests could talk and network. After the meal, Said Benyoucef read a passage from Shahrazade démissionne, a delightfully offbeat parody he created and presented at the Festival du monde arabe de Montréal a few years ago. The story portrays women’s struggle through the traditions of One Thousand and One Nights, with the author’s “imagination, words, humour and convictions.”

After all that emotion, the women filled the dance floor and celebrated until midnight.

https://leregional.com/sofifran-souligne-lapport-des-femmes-dans-sa-communaute/