(L-R) Mental Health & Resiliency Strategist Shannon Gander with Genesis House Executive Director Ang BraunInternational Women's Week is being marked around the world, including here in the Pembina Valley with a number of events. One of which was a lunch and learn presentation Wednesday in Winkler put on by Genesis House.


The event's guest speaker was Shannon Gander from Life Work Wellness, an organization that helps people protect their mental health, prevent burnout, and increase their resiliency.

Gander says she sees International Women's Week as very important for women.  "It means us recognizing ourselves and our power and giving ourselves permission to be seen and to be out in the world and to help and protect each other.  It's the "me too" generation."

 

Genesis House Executive Director Ang Braun says International Women's Week is important to recognize the progress that's been made, and also to look ahead at what else is happening and where growth is still needed.  

Despite all that has been accomplished, Braun said there's still a lot of work that needs to be done.  "Unfortunately we haven't worked ourselves out of a job at the women's shelter yet."

Braun said part of what needs to happen going forward is to continue raising awareness.  That means making sure people remember that there is support, that people can speak up and they will be believed.  "We can help them through a very difficult time in their lives, depending on what choices they need to make," said Braun.