Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 08/02) - Today's International Women's Day celebration gives Yellowknife women a chance to connect with their sisters around the world.

"It is important to set aside a day to help women understand that they have rights as people and to celebrate their accomplishments," said Barbara Saunders, executive director of the NWT Status Council of Women.

Some of the major challenges facing Northern women Saunders finds are limited access to political decision-making, lack of pay equity and sexist social attitudes.

The events began last night will the Association Franco-Culturelle de Yellowknife's presentation of the movie My Heart is My Witness -- a film about the plight of Muslim women.

For the rest of the week, the Status of Women Council hosts a display of art by Northern women from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the great hall of the legislative assembly.

At noon is the 10th annual Bread and Roses Luncheon where five women will be presented with the Wise Women Awards.

"The awards are given to women who work to empower other women and promote equality," said Saunders.

The Yellowknife Women's Centre will present Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues tonight at Northern United Place, starting at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $30 and proceeds from the show go to anti-violence programs at the Women's Centre and Alison McAteer House.

For last-minute tickets contact the Birchwood Gallery.