Friends and Neighbors: ‘Women in Red’ gathering to shine spotlight on pay inequity | Miami Herald

Often, we are tempted to forget that although we have come a long way, there are still (as one poet put it) miles to go before we sleep. So, here we are in the third month of the year two thousand and fifteen, still fighting for human rights in America.

This time, our attention is called to the plight of women employees, especially those who work full time and are paid on average 23 percent less than their male counterparts’ median earnings for the same work, according to some statistics. That is very sad.

Although several acts have been introduced to help women achieve pay equity, many are still waiting.

And so, the fight continues. On April 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Miami Beach Commission for Women and others are calling for a “Women in Red” gathering on Lincoln Road at Euclid Circle in Miami Beach. Those attending (especially women) are asked to wear red to call attention that women are really “in the red” when it comes to equal pay.

Millie Herrera, founder of The Miami Group, and former presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Labor as the Regional Representative to Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, will be the guest speaker. Members of the Miami Beach Commission for Women will distribute flyers listing facts regarding the event and the status of pay equity today.

Join others on that day by wearing red and attending the event to show your support. If you need more information call Debi Quade at 305-401-2169 or email her at debi@debraquade.com.

Women’s History Month continues

The celebration of Women’s History Month will continue Tuesday with an International Women’s Unity Conference an 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. event at the Miami Free Zone, 2305 NW 107th Ave. in Doral. The theme is “Empowering the Future.”

The event will feature participation from 23 countries and 40 panelists, locally and from around the world, including an International Market Place featuring unique and beautiful items created by women from around the world, including Africa, Peru, and Israel.

The panels, symposiums and plenary luncheon will include such topics as:

▪ Women in Leadership — Inspiring others

▪ Women as Story Tellers — Making an impact

▪ Women in Politics and Policy — Creating social and fiscal balance

▪ Women’s International Role — Building the Global Connection (Plenary luncheon)

▪ Women in Business and Entrepreneurship — Designing sustainability

▪ Women in Advocacy and Philanthropy — Becoming an Agent of Change

▪ Women in Education — Fostering Equality

▪ Women of the Millennium — Innovating for the future.

Hosted by Doral Councilwoman Bettina Aguilera-Rodriguez, tickets are $155 for the full day and will include lunch; $80 for a half day (from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or from 1 to 7 p.m.); $50 for the luncheon only; and $50 for students. Members of women’s organizations are admitted for $80 per person for the full day. There will also be a free, open area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Should be a great celebration. For tickets and more information, call 305-792-8992 or send an email to bettinaraiwus@gmail.com.

Jain theory of karma lecture

You are invited to a lecture by Jayandra Soni of Innsbruck University in Austria, at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Graham Center Ballroom on Florida International University’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus, 11200 SW Eighth St. Soni will speak on the topic, “Jain Ethics in Philosophical Perspective.”

According to Soni, the Jain theory of karma posits that all of our actions — in thoughts, words and deeds — rebound on us as meritorious or unmeritorius seeds, which then ripen at the appropriate time. We then enjoy or suffer the consequences. Soni’s lecture will attempt to shed light on this theory.

Born, reared and educated in South Africa, Soni did further study in India, where he earned a Ph.D. at Banaras Hindu University in 1978. He also has a doctorate from McMaster University in Canada.

Prior to moving to Austria where he is a part-time lecturer of Indian philosophy at Innsbruck University, Soni also taught in Germany at the Phillips-University Marburg. He has written many articles on Jain philosophy and has edited books on Jainism.

Following the lecture a traditional Indian vegetarian dinner will be served. The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, call 305-348-7266.

Discussion about La Convivencia period

A free talk on “La Convivencia from the Muslim/Arabic Perspective”, featuring guest speaker Mohamed Ghumrawi, will be 2 p.m. April 12 at St. Johns on the Lake Church, 4760 Pine Tree Dr. in Miami Beach.

In his talk, Ghumrawi who has a masters in International Studies from Florida International University, will explain that during the La Convivencia period in Al-Andalus, the Muslims and Jews created a civilization that was more advanced, culturally and educationally, than any other area in Europe at that time.

The Jewish and Islamic cultures mutually influenced each other — in language, science, mathematics, poetry and philosophy. At that time, Arabic was spoken by both Muslims and Jews and was often used in religious life in the synagogues.

The talk is open to the community.

New Neighbors Club lunch meeting

The New Neighbors Club of South Dade will install its new board at a meeting April 8 at Killian Palms Country Club, 9950 SW 104th St. Fellowship starts at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting, installation of the board and lunch.

Following lunch, the men and women of Community Habilitation Center — The Wow Center — will perform. The center offers support, guidance and encouragement to adults with developmental disabilities in order to help them become more independent.

The newly elected executive board members are Sharalynn Torres, president; Thelma Tucker, first vice president, programs; Christine Wagner, second vice president, membership; Debi McCarthy, corresponding secretary; Margie Askins, recording secretary; Barbara Hertz, treasurer, and Elaine DeLeonardis, historian.

The luncheon cost is $26 per person and reservations are required. To RSVP email ritafosse@yahoo.com or call 305-595-0213 by noon April 3.