On March 6, 2025, Johnson County will witness the annual "Night of 1,000 Dinners" event, co-hosted by the Johnson County United Nations Association (JCUNA) and the Office of Equity and Human Rights, to honor International Women’s Day. This longstanding tradition, originating from efforts to raise awareness about global issues, particularly supports women-led organizations within the community. This year, the focus will be on Sustainable Development Goal three: promoting health and well-being for all.
"We decided to particularly focus on the health and well-being of immigrant and refugee peoples in our communities," explained Barbara Eckstein, president of JCUNA. The fundraising event aims to support two local nonprofits, the Free Medical and Dental Clinic and Prairielands Freedom Fund, addressing pressing issues for immigrants and refugees during uncertain political times.
The Free Medical and Dental Clinic serves primarily refugees and immigrants. Funds raised will also support Healthy Start for Refugee Children, part of the United Nations campaign Shot@Life, aiming to provide immunizations for children living in refugee camps worldwide.
Eckstein highlighted the challenge faced by immigration-related organizations, particularly under governmental immigration policies. "We hope to raise as much money as possible for these organizations doing critically important work, especially as government funding remains uncertain," she said.
Prairielands Freedom Fund, another recipient of the event's proceeds, assists immigrants facing detention by paying for their bonds. "We expect to use any funds raised to pay bonds for detained immigrants," co-founder Julia Zalenski noted, emphasizing their dedication to helping those most at risk.
The evening will include various cultural experiences, including meals from Togolese cuisine, and the program will be presented in multiple languages to honor the diverse community of Johnson County. This initiative was inspired by discussions held during JCUNA's Human Rights Day event, which brought attention to the experiences of non-English speakers facing stereotypes.
"Through providing this bilingual program, we aim to combat misconceptions about those who may speak English as a second language or have accents," Eckstein stated. The Coralville Public Library will also be recognized for its community support initiatives, such as language classes and resources aimed at assisting immigrants.
Simultaneously, across the ocean, the International Women’s Day Conference convened on February 22, 2025, hosted by the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) in Paris. This impactful event attracted political leaders, activists, and advocates from over 80 countries to focus on the struggle for women's rights and the fight against oppression, particularly highlighting the plight of Iranian women.
Maryam Rajavi, keynote speaker and leader of the Iranian resistance movement, emphasized the importance of women’s roles within this fight. "No to compulsory hijab, no to compulsory religion, and no to compulsory governance," she proclaimed, calling for foundational changes within Iran.
The conference spotlighted three main themes: women's empowerment as agents of change, the systematic human rights violations against women under the Iranian regime, and the necessity for global solidarity with Iranian women. Women from different backgrounds shared their commitment to regime change and the establishment of equality and democracy.
Former French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Michèle Alliot-Marie, declared, "This International Women’s Day is not just a celebration; it is a call to action for democracy, equality, and freedom." Her support echoed sentiments shared across various regions, emphasizing the collective call for change.
Alongside esteemed speakers such as Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, and Íngrid Betancourt, who collectively championed the rights of Iranian women, the conference reinforced the message: the global community stands united. Participants called for the abolition of oppressive hijab laws and greater pressure on the Iranian regime.
The event culminated with over 650 political and human rights leaders signing a statement of solidarity, reaffirming their commitment to support the Iranian women’s struggle and calling for recognition of the NCRI's vision of freedom.
Both events occurring on opposite sides of the globe serve as reminders of the importance of community support and international cooperation to champion women's rights. From local dinners addressing healthcare issues faced by immigrant women to global conferences advocating for democracy and equality, the activities surrounding International Women’s Day 2025 signify the fight for equity continues. Each initiative not only celebrates but actively engages people to reassess their role within the global struggle for gender equality.