Lexington Celebrates International Women’s Day with Local Empowerment Initiatives

Lexington, Kentucky Celebrates International Women’s Day with Local Initiatives

Lexington, KY, is celebrating International Women’s Day with a series of events and initiatives, particularly highlighting women-led businesses in the Woodland Triangle area. The local business Poppy & Pomelo has organized a weekend-long celebration featuring engaging activities aimed at empowering women and fostering a sense of community.

Empowerment Through Business Initiatives

Poppy & Pomelo team member Caitlyn Edwards has introduced the tagline “I am braless and lawless” as a symbol of freedom, authenticity, and self-expression that resonates with many women. This creative message encourages individuals to embrace their true selves without societal constraints.

The owner of Karat Cake, Kara Traub, believes it is vital for women in business to empower one another, sharing their stories, and inspiring others to overcome their challenges. Such initiatives aim to break down the barriers that women often face in obtaining success in entrepreneurial endeavors.

Support for Global Initiatives

Poppy & Pomelo extends its mission beyond local initiatives by supporting the non-profit organization You Are Co. This organization focuses on improving the lives of women living in extreme poverty globally. Jessica Upchurch-King, founder of You Are Co, has indicated that a portion of the proceeds from Poppy & Pomelo directly benefits women in Uganda. The funds are utilized to provide essential resources such as education, housing, and empowerment programs to young women, aimed at preventing exploitation.

Art and Culture Highlights

In conjunction with the celebrations, Luigart Studios is hosting an art exhibition titled “Women 2025,” which showcases the talent of over 50 women artists from Fayette County and its neighboring areas. This exhibition, which commenced on International Women’s Day and will continue throughout March, aims to highlight the contributions of women in the arts.

The exhibition is open to the public with gallery hours set from noon to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, providing visitors a chance to appreciate diverse artistic expressions created by women.

Community Advocacy and Protest

The celebration of women’s achievements also included a protest in downtown Lexington. This event addressed pressing issues such as women’s rights and opposition to President Trump’s policies. Protesters gathered to advocate for equal pay, reproductive rights, and to voice concerns regarding the administration’s impact on democracy and women’s rights.

The ‘Unite and Resist’ mobilization drew a significant number of participants dedicated to amplifying their voices for women’s rights. Activists emphasized their commitment to standing up for democracy and ensuring that the fight for equality continues for future generations.

Background Context

International Women’s Day is celebrated globally to recognize women’s achievements and to promote gender equality. In Lexington, local businesses and community members are taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting women in various sectors, including art, business, and advocacy. Through celebrations and protests, the community is working to foster an environment where women are empowered and their contributions are recognized both locally and globally.