All together now: March for equality
Giant ethnic puppets bopped about amid dance and song for International Women’s Day celebrations.
The international day began in 1909.
More than a century later, women are still walking the streets to fight for equality, pay-gap reduction and the recognition of diversity.
In Palmerston North, people of all ages, genders and races marched together on Wednesday, in a parade led by Rangiwahia Environmental Arts Centre Trust (REACT).
Palmerston North man Victor Hempel stopped in The Square to watch the scene of song and dance unfold.
‘‘Seeing the smiles on their faces – I think it’s cool.’’
He felt for the women in the world who led hard lives and said all men and women should be treated as equal.
International Women’s Day is about encouraging a more gender inclusive world.
Palmerston North celebrations also recognise the diversity in the community, shown by the 16 giant puppets on display, which represent countries and ethnic groups all over the world.
Te Manawa concept and engagement leader Kristelle Plimmer said the event had grown this year, with Wellington and Porirua people taking part.
Te Manawa helped organise classes to create the giant puppets, which represented countries such as Samoa, Japan, Syria, Colombia and Bhutan.
Plimmer spoke at the event and said while the day was about bringing people together. It was also about fighting for equality.
‘‘It’s about the fact it’s 2017 and we still don’t have pay equality.’’
Women were still stuck in the middle management band, fighting for senior positions.
There was also still violence against women and raped women were still blamed for wearing skippy tops and skirts, she said.
‘‘We’re not a monoculture. We are a patriarchy. We still have a way to go.’’