International Women's Day (IWD) stands as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the celebration of women's achievements worldwide. Each year on March 8th, the world unites to acknowledge the progress made, reflect on the challenges ahead, and honor the indomitable spirit of women who have paved the way for change.

In most communities around the globe, International Women's Day is marked with a myriad of events and activities aimed at recognizing the contributions of women to society, politics, culture, and the economy. From panel discussions and workshops to art exhibitions and film screenings, these gatherings serve as platforms for women to share their stories, experiences, and aspirations. On March 8th, women at KDIS joined the rest of the  global community to attest to the achievements and aspirations of the women in their lives, the mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties, grandmothers, and teachers to mention but a few. Under their umbrella forum, the Women Leaders’ Forum, they had a marvelous celebration at Lincoln Hall, under the theme, “Investing in Women, Empowering Progress, and Transforming Futures.”

The evening was packed with exciting program line-ups and as the ladies clad in purple arrived at the venue, they were welcomed by the organizers of the event with smiles, amusement and snacks.

Zumba, a vibrant and energetic dance fitness program, kicked off the evening with an electrifying burst of excitement. Taking the helm as the dynamic leaders of the Zumba session, Maria (2023 MDP, Dominican Republic) and Belen (2023 MDP, Ecuador) skillfully guided the participants through a lively marathon of simple dances, blended with aerobics and rhythmic movements of salsa. The Zumba session served not only as a physical warm-up but also as a vibrant celebration of movement, and positivity as participants worked up a sweat, to the rhythmic beats creating a collective sense of joy and well-being.

Lyka (2023 MDP, Philippines), one of the spirited organizers of the event, seamlessly transitioned the gathering of ladies into a thrilling game of Kahoot. With an air of excitement, the participants were divided into dynamic groups of three, ready to engage in a friendly yet competitive quiz session. The room buzzed with anticipation as the questions posed encompassed the achievements of remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on the world. The quiz questions ranged from political milestones, such as identifying the first female president of Brazil, to technological breakthroughs like the discovery of Wi-Fi to ancient history like the Queen of the/an Ethiopian dynasty. Lyka's curated selection of questions sparked both curiosity and friendly banter among the groups, fostering a sense of solidarity and quest for knowledge as the participants collaborated to unravel the answers. Amidst the laughter and occasional moments of suspense, Group 4 emerged victorious, showcasing their collective knowledge and quick thinking. Their triumph was met with cheers and applause as they claimed their well-deserved prizes, which included a delightful collection of skincare products.

The icing on the cake was the much-anticipated movie night. With popcorn in hand, the ladies transformed Lincoln Hall into a movie theater. Talk KDIS events, talk snacks. The Netflix mini-series “Self-Made'' crowned the evening as the celebration went down. "Self-Made" is a four-episode limited series that premiered in 2020; inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker and starring Octavia Spencer in the lead role, the series is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of Madam C.J. Walker, an African American entrepreneur who became the first female self-made millionaire in the United States.

In conclusion, the day's festivities at Lincoln Hall unfolded like an embroidery of empowerment and celebration. From the invigorating Zumba session led by Maria and Belen to the intellectually stimulating Kahoot quiz masterfully orchestrated by Lyka, each moment contributed to a day rich in inspiration. The grand finale, a movie night featuring the Netflix mini-series "Self-Made", served as the proverbial cherry on top. The echoes of laughter, shared insights, and the collective celebration of achievements resonated throughout the hall, clearly demonstrating the essence of the day. The ladies left Lincoln Hall with hearts full of inspiration and a shared commitment to continue fostering a community full of support, encouragement, and celebration. Today was not just an event; it was a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the collective journey toward a future where every woman's story is a story of triumph, a testament to KDIS International Women’s Day celebration theme: “Investing in Women, Empowering Progress, Transforming Futures.”