International Women’s Day is a global day to collectively recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide.

Monsoon’s Violence Prevention Program will host Faces of Feminism: Women of Color in the Feminist Movement on Sunday, March 8 from 10:45am to 1:15pm at the Des Moines Art Center.  This workshop is open to teens and young adults.  The event will cover the history of the Feminist Movement in the U.S., and will highlight significant women of color who are oftentimes left out of the movement’s mainstream dialogue. Monsoon’s youth interns, Animesh Joshi and Connor Liu, will lead a guided conversation on women of color’s continual struggles for gender and racial equality and discuss solutions to move toward action.

Following the educational workshop, participants will paint a portrait of a woman who inspires them under the guidance of art instructor Jazmine Johnson of the Des Moines Art Center.  Guests are encouraged to bring a photograph of a woman who inspires them that they will use at the workshop as painting guidance.  If they do not have a personal photo to use, participants could paint a portrait of any significant woman.  This event is free and open to the public.  Pizza and beverages will be provided.