Edinburgh, Scotland - What better advertisement for cultural diversity and community harmony than this March 7 Celebration of International Women’s Day in Edinburgh! The collaborative effort of Women’s Federation for World Peace and the Muslim Women’s Association of Edinburgh welcomed guests with a multi-cultural fashion show, Japanese music, African singers, Flamenco dancers, and a display of Highland dancing.
About 150 women and girls gathered to celebrate the day. After a formal welcome from Harumi Currie of the Women's Federation for World Peace and Tanweer Ashraf of the Muslim Women's Association, Shirley Ann Somerville reiterated the organizers’ messages of solidarity and appreciation of the role of women. Another speaker, Tecla Wight, described a business initiative by African women making and selling basketwork.
Women’s fashion was celebrated in three shows interspersed throughout the program. In keeping with the international feel, refreshments included kebabs and sushi along with falafel, cheese and onion pasties, and of course pizza. In addition, fortune cookies, gulab jamun, profiteroles, and cake were served. The program ended with dancing. One guest told us that she had never attended such a wonderful celebration.