.png)
A grateful Betty Emirhanian said she was honored to receive a proclamation from South Pasadena’s mayor declaring March 8 as International Women’s Day in South Pasadena.
Dr. Marina Khubesrian, only the fourth female to hold the prestigious mayoral role in South Pasadena’s 131-year history, was pleased to make the presentation.
She recognized Emirhanian, the president of WISPPA, and the organization’s past president, and Bianca Richards, both strong leaders in the community.
“International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities,” Emirhanian explained to the council after receiving the proclamation. “I am so proud and honored to receive this proclamation on behalf of the women of South Pasadena and WISPPA, which has changed its name from Women Involved in South Pasadena Political Action to Women Involved in South Pasadena Political Activism.
In other words, activism replaces action.
“Our members at the meeting believe activism more clearly describes what we do,” explained Emirhanian. “We feel the word activism encompasses awareness, advocacy, and action.”
“International Women’s Day falls on March 8 each year “with a new agenda and an evolved inspiration,” explained the WISPPA president.
The theme for the 2019 Women’s Day March was: Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.
“We are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance,” said Emirhanian. “We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.”
She said WISPPA members will continue to encourage women to get involved in some sort of community endeavor. “Everyone has a part to play, all the time, everywhere,” stressed Emirhanian.
She closed by quoting Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States spent a major part of her legal career as an advocate for the advancement of gender equality and women’s rights, garnering multiple wins arguing before the Supreme Court.
“Women belong in all the places where decisions are made…It shouldn’t be that women are the exception,” said Emirhanian.
