Kingston celebrates women with powerful performances and storytelling at library event

International Women’s Week gathering highlights creativity, culture and community voices.

Community members gathered at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s Central Branch Thursday evening to celebrate the achievements and leadership of women during a special International Women’s Week event.

The family-friendly gathering featured art, performances and storytelling highlighting diverse voices from across the community.

Guests arrived early to enjoy refreshments, explore community art displays and take part in children’s activities before the main program began. The evening included Indigenous story sharing and drumming, along with performances from Afro Mama Rythmées, a Kingston-based collective celebrating African dance and world rhythms.

Kingston Poet Laureate Sadiqa de Meijer also delivered readings, while Honoured Artist of Ukraine Inna Leshchuk performed vocally.

Liz Coates, manager of programming and outreach at the library, said the event offered an opportunity to recognize the many contributions women make locally while creating space for creativity and connection.

Leigh Martins, volunteer and education coordinator at Kingston Interval House and one of the speakers at the event, spoke about the importance of local representation.

Several community organizations partnered on the event, and a quiet prayer room was available for those observing Ramadan.

Story by Alyssa Brush