MORGANTOWN — Local business owners Stephanie Swaim, of Hoot & Howl, Amy Sidwell and Murray Gervais, of Findley Martin, encourage the community to support International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month activities.
The theme of International Women’s Day — set for Sunday — is #EachForEqual.
“The International Women’s Day movement recognizes that equality is not a gender issue, but includes business and community issues,” Sidwell said.
“We want to celebrate women’s achievements locally,” Gervais said.
“According to Main Street Morgantown, 23% of businesses in the Downtown and Historic Wharf District are women-owned,” Swaim added.
“There are many women-owned businesses in Monongalia County, and women-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment in West Virginia” said Sharon Stratton, from West Virginia University’s Small Business Development Center.
Main Street Morgantown will celebrate Women’s History Month with Arts Walk on Friday. During Arts Walk, businesses are encouraged to host women artists.
Hoot & Howl will host Pittsburgh-based glass and mosaic artist Meeghan, from Atelier Glass Studio. Throughout March. Findley Martin will display pottery from Cheat Lake potter Laura Kingora, of 55 Oaks Studio.
“We are proudly women-owned companies, and look forward to honoring other businesses and artists throughout north-central West Virginia,” Swaim said.
Using the #EachForEqual campaign theme, female business owners in the area will be tagged in social media posts during the month of March. Women are encouraged to strike the #EachForEqual pose, and upload a photo to their own social media pages.
Visit local businesses’ social media pages to learn more about International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month events.
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