For International Women’s Month, UMASS Dartmouth put together a fashion show entitled “Fashion for a Cause,” which was made to benefit the Panzi Foundation. The Panzi Foundation was created as a response to the violence against women during Congo’s wars. Today the Panzi Hospital is world-renown for “treating survivors of sexual violence and complex gynecological injuries” (“What We Do.”).
Bishop Stang’s Diversity Council was personally invited by Ms. Okhipo, who would be participating in the fashion show in traditional Nigerian attire. The fashion show was full of local women dressed in attire from either their own culture or a culture they are interested in. One woman even shared a poem about her experience as a Black woman and how she learned to appreciate her features which have so often been undervalued by American society. Each participant had a person who they were in the show for, many of those walking were doing so for their moms. In doing this people were able to share a small hint of how women have shaped their lives whether it be through their care, strength, or grace. Seeing Mrs. Okhipo enjoying herself in a place full of rich culture was definitely the highlight of the day, her Look was my second favorite part of that night. I was so grateful to have had the opportunity to enjoy International Women’s Month with my friends, of course, but also with all of the strangers because it proves how we are able to join together to achieve a particular goal without knowing each other. I felt the same way at the Women’s March in January 2017. Both instances prove how even with so many bad things happening in the world, there will always be a time and place for people to come together and benefit what is good. We were able to celebrate and benefit women as a community rather than as individuals. I never would have known about the Panzi Foundation and all the good it has done for these women in Congo. Similarly I never would have known about the violence that these women and girls were forced to face. The newfound awareness just further instills my passion for promoting and appreciating diversity as well as helping the less privileged in society.