CICS in collaboration with Abbotsford community services, International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy, South Asian Peer Network Association (SAPNA), and Mission Community Services celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8. Various local organizations set up organizational booths for networking and gave out information about their services. This was followed by the main event where women told their real life stories which were both heart wrenching and empowering at the same time. CICS Director Satwinder Bains announced the launch of a new local organization: The Fraser Valley Coalition for Women whose main purpose would be to create synergy amongst individuals and groups who can find ways to cooperate and join forces to fight for the common cause of the betterment of lives of all women. The event saw a huge turn out and the Coalition has started its work and effort to affect change. The aim of the FVCW is to create a pact or understanding among individuals and organizations, through which they cooperate in joint action for the betterment of the lives of all women in the Fraser Valley.
