Over 200 people gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day at a recent “Night of 1000 Dinners” event hosted by the Johnson County United Nations Association (UNA).
Co-sponsored by UI International Programs, UI Center for Human Rights, and many others, the March 7, 2024, event focused on the theme of Good Health and Well-Being, a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.
“The goal of the event is to honor the leadership of women by celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History month, while at the same time drawing special attention to one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Barbara Eckstein, president of the Johnson County UNA. “We further honor women, local women, by raising money for local nongovernmental organizations, led by women or staffed by women.”
The four local organizations recognized include Healthy Kids, Emma Goldman Clinic, 4 C’s of Johnson County, and Youth Crisis Stabilization and Emergency Housing Project. “We chose organizations whose work promotes the objectives of this year's chosen Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-Being,” said Eckstein. “We also raise money for one UN agency.” According to Eckstein, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was selected because of its connection to the goal of Good Health and Well-Being.
Honored guest Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele Sison from the U.S. Department of State provided remarks. Reflecting on the event, Sison said, “I was humbled and inspired by the wonderful community spirit at tonight’s Johnson County UN Association-USA event. It was a real honor to join the community in recognizing the tireless work of UNICEF as well as four outstanding, women-led groups working to support early childhood education, youth, and health care. It was terrific to share in this celebration of International Women’s Day and to share how we are working for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals both at home and abroad — expanding economic opportunity, advancing social justice, caring for our planet, and ensuring no one is left behind.”
When asked about the origins of the annual Night of 1000 Dinners event, Jim Olson, past president of the Johnson County UNA provided insight. “The United Nations Association-USA initiated a national fundraising program for landmine clearance in the late 1990s. It was called Night of 1000 Dinners because volunteers across the country were encouraged to have dinners in their homes to raise money to clear landmines — there would be ‘1000 dinners’ across the country.”
UNA leaders in Iowa shifted the event to a celebration of International Women’s Day after the landmine clearance project ended. The 2024 Night of 1000 Dinners event was particularly meaningful, as it coincided with the city councils in Coralville, Iowa City, and North Liberty, as well as the Johnson County Board of supervisors issuing proclamations declaring March 8 as International Women’s Day and March as Women’s History Month.
Jasmine Grafton, UI student and marketing intern for the Johnson County UNA, helped promote and coordinate the event. “I’m really happy that everyone took time to partake in shared values at this event. This really just shows how strong community is in the sense of what we want, what we’re willing to protect, and that we’re willing to show up to do exactly that,” said Grafton. “UN members strive to add light to the dark.”
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.