Equal rights, equal opportunities and progress for all.

That’s the title of the upcoming International Women’s Day celebration at the YWCA on March 6 with festivities.

“International Women’s Day is an event that is celebrated around the world focusing on celebrating women’s lives,” says Diana Simms, who is organizing the event at the YWCA.

“It’s basically a day of inspiration and empowerment.”

The event features guest speakers such as Sylvie Oishi and Shauna Hayward.

“They’re going to be sharing their stories of their personal journey and the whole focus being equal rights, equal opportunities, progress for all,” says Simms.

The event will be held in the conference room at Lethbridge Centre from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We have lunch together and in the afternoon we have discussion groups on basically centre around the things that we’re passionate about, that empower us and inspire us to make changes in our world around us.”

Simms hopes that the event will help to recognize the challenges that women face with not having equal rights.

“It hasn’t even been a hundred years yet since we’ve been able to vote.”

The event looks at the timeline of women’s accomplishments and how differences have been made.

Barbra Pittard, board president at the YWCA says the event is to “get together and celebrate women over the years.”

This year marks the 99th year that the day has been celebrated, says Pittard.

Many countries consider it a national holiday and the UN recognizes it, she says.

International Women’s day is on March 8, though the celebration is on March 6.

The event will feature guest speakers, lunch and festivities.

Admission will be $10. The last day to register is March 3.

To register call the YWCA at 403-329-0088.