LEWISTON — The Center for Wisdom’s Women, a weekday drop in center for women in downtown Lewiston, has announced the launch of a new program called Wise and Strong Women Speak to be held on Friday, March 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. This event, held to mark International Women’s Day, is the first program in an ongoing series planned to celebrate remarkable women in the community.

This inaugural program will feature two women, State Sen. Margaret Craven and Parivash Rohani, in a conversation about their memories and what they have learned from their life journeys. Both women are immigrants to the United States, Craven from Ireland and Rohani from Iran. They came here as young women in their teens, one because of poverty and the other due to religious persecution. Craven now lives in Lewiston. Rohani, who is of the Baha’i faith, resides in Auburn, is a nurse in ICU at St. Mary’s and is active in creating interfaith gatherings at her home.

Marguerite Stapleton, who will host the evening and facilitate the conversation, noted that “There are so many wise and strong women in this community. It is time to celebrate this fact and invite them to give voice to their stories.” Stapleton has been involved in this community since 1977 and now offers resources in spirituality to individuals, groups and organizations through her consulting business, Wisdom Works. She was on the first Board of Directors for the women’s center.

International Women’s Day, March 8, has been celebrated around the world for just over 100 years.  It is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women’s Day is a national holiday. For more information, see www.internationwomensday.com.

March is also designated as “Women’s History Month.” Klara Tammany, director of the Women’s Center, notes that our formal histories have tended to leave out the stories of women and the impact they have made in the world, so often accomplished quietly and behind the scenes.

Light refreshments, including Persian tea and Irish scones, will be served. The presentation is open to the public and will take place in the Center for Wisdom’s Women, 97 Blake St. in the extension in the back of Healy Terrace. For more information contact Klara Tammany at 513-3922.