Overview:
The celebration will feature live music, local art, a special women-themed menu, and a space for community members to recognize and honor women’s rights.
Last year’s Fresno Women’s Day celebration at MOTO Delicatessen & Bodega drew over 300 attendees, including local social justice organizers and city council members, for the first event of its kind.
This year, the 11-person committee—composed of community members working in Fresno’s social justice fields—expects an even larger turnout.
The celebration will be held at MOTO from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.
It will include poetry by Marisol Baca, live Neo-soul music by Topanga, a five-member band of current and alumni Fresno State music students, a DJ who will spin a mix of global beats, and artwork from four local women exploring feminist perspectives and human rights, which will be on display throughout the month of March.
The event coincides with International Women’s Day, a global celebration honoring women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while advocating for gender equality. Worldwide, the day is marked by marches, rallies, conferences, and cultural performances, with countries like the U.S., India, and Russia hosting everything from community gatherings to government-led initiatives.
Linda Renland, one of the event organizers, has experienced grand International Women’s Day celebrations throughout her career while living, studying, and working in countries like England, Norway, Spain, and Thailand. Upon moving to Fresno a few years ago, she noticed the city lacked events to celebrate the occasion and decided to take action herself.
Fresno State also has deep historical ties to the feminist art movement.
The celebration officially began in 2023 with just seven friends gathering to celebrate. Now, thanks to Renland’s connections with local art and music teachers, one of MOTO’s chefs, local attorneys, and others, the event will be held annually.
“People in society often fear the word feminism, and this celebration is about reclaiming it,” said Renland. “It also provides a space for everyone to come together, regardless of political views on specific issues, as long as we all agree on supporting women’s rights.”
Every aspect of the celebration, from the design elements on the flyers to the curation of local artists, is thoughtfully planned to reflect the strength of women and serve as a powerful testament to women’s rights, said Renland.
Annie Nuñez, the director of graphic design and social media for the celebration, explained that the group chose this year’s theme to revolve around oranges. On the flyer, the fruit is depicted in a hand to symbolize how the group of women, along with America, were handed “this orange” with the election of President Donald Trump. A knife, subtly included in the design, “symbolizes a silent rage that could erupt at any moment.”
“We will defend what we want and who we are,” said Nuñez. “And we are prepared for anything.”
Chelsea Lalancette, the action table organizer of the celebration, said that working in Fresno’s social justice spaces can often feel overwhelming. She looks forward to the celebration as a chance to connect with others, find joy, unwind, and embrace feminism from a fresh perspective.
To further create a space for connection and celebration, the event will feature interactive elements that highlight women’s contributions throughout history and in the local community.
This includes women-in-history trading cards highlighting trailblazing women from around the world, the U.S., and the Central Valley, featured on the event’s Instagram page, with a limited number of copies available on tables at the event. Attendees can also collect buttons, explore a curated book display by Judging by the Cover bookstore featuring women authors and books on women’s rights, and browse a map highlighting women-owned businesses.
The menu will feature eight to nine dishes inspired by influential women in politics, crafted based on their ethnic backgrounds, culinary interests, and personal favorites. One featured dish is the ‘I Am Malala’ tikka masala pizza, honoring Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Another dish pays tribute to former vice president Kamala Harris, who won second place in the Museo Italo Americano’s 2007 pasta contest with her penne with braised lamb ragu. There will also be women-owned wine and spirits vendors offering a variety of selections for sale.
“The event is significant for Fresno because it brings together people from diverse backgrounds to stand in support of women’s rights,” said Erin Webster, the curator of the celebration’s art exhibit. “While it can be challenging to see in Fresno, this event has allowed me to connect with others and realize how many people also believe that women’s rights are important.”
