‘Iron-Jawed Angels’ on International Women’s Day

Cinema | March 7th, 2016

In observance of International Women’s Day, March 8, the North Dakota Women’s Network (NDWN) will host a special screening of the historical Women’s Suffrage film, "Iron-Jawed Angels" at the Fargo Theatre.

According to Shelly Carlson, event coordinator and a long-time member of the NDMW, this film was selected because the group wanted a film to highlight an important time in women’s history, in honor of both Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. “Iron-Jawed Angels” tells the story of courageous women who fought for women's right to vote which is “still a global issue.”

“Iron Jawed Angels,” an award-winning HBO film, tells the story of a group of dynamic young women, led by Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) and Lucy Burns (Frances O'Connor), who passionately fought for the right to vote for women in the U.S. It features an excellent ensemble cast, including Anjelica Huston, Julia Ormond, Molly Parker, and Vera Farmiga.

There is no admission charge to see the movie, but free-will donations are sought for NDWN’s "Ready to Run" program which provides training to women seeking to run for political office.

International Women’s Day is observed annually, on March 8. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. According to the International Women’s Day website, it also marks “a call to action for accelerating gender parity.”

Renee Stromme, Executive Director of the NDWN, describes the organization’s vision as striving “to see that women and girls are guaranteed equal rights and opportunities in North Dakota. “We are a statewide women’s advocacy organization with membership of people from all walks of life.” The NDWN “advances the issues that cut to the core of women’s lives,” including education equity, economic fairness and security, civil rights, and health.

The organization’s programs and emphases include: leadership trainings such as Ready to Run and WE Rise; the statewide anti-human trafficking coalition FUSE (Force to end hUman Sexual Exploitation); education events for women and girls; and NDESPA (North Dakota Economic Security and Prosperity Alliance.

Carlson explains the importance of this event: “We want to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women, but also need to bring attention to the fact that progress is slow in many places across the U.S. and the world. For instance, women make up 50% of the population, yet in ND women only represent 19% of state legislators and only hold 21% of statewide offices. The disparity is large and attention needs to be brought to this issue.”

Sponsors for the event are: United Savings Credit Union, Crystal Sugar, Sanford Health, The Hotel Donaldson, and Vogel Law Firm. If you or your group is interested in sponsorship, contact Shelly Carlson.

Event organizers hope that both women and men, age 13 and up, will attend. There will be an interactive educational activity following the screening, which will include the honoring of local elected women.

IF YOU GO

“Iron-Jawed Angels” screening and fundraiser for the North Dakota Women’s Network

March 8, 7 p.m.

Fargo Theatre, 314 Broadway

Tickets are free of charge. Free-will donations accepted for the North Dakota Women’s Network

Contact: Shelly Carlson, shelly.aasen.carlson@hotmail.com

Http://IronJawedAngels.eventbrite.com