By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
An open invitation is being issued to local women to join a special event in downtown Chatham in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8.
A collaboration between the Zonta Club, Sheleads and Sisters Strain Film Corp., the new networking initiative has been created to mark the annual milestone and kickoff a documentary film project titled “This Women’s Work.”
Kat and Karissa Strain – two Chatham-Kent actors turned filmmakers – both say the idea for the documentary came out of the realization that there are so many unsung local women doing amazing things to improve C-K and make life better for others.
“We wanted to share these stories and resources,” said Kat Strain in an interview with The Voice. “Traditional gender roles have changed and there are so many women doing important things to help others.”
Echoing her sister, Karissa Strain explained that the documentary is an opportunity to capture the stories of local women on film, showcasing the unpaid, undervalued and invisible work of women that may otherwise go unnoticed as told through the lens of C-K women themselves.
“If we’re not hearing about these things, there may be others who aren’t either,” she said. “Many women, who already have a full plate, say they didn’t plan on starting anything, they were just answering a need.”
“I think it’s really beautiful how caring these women in our community are,” Karissa added, noting the idea for the documentary grew organically by word of mouth, simply by women sharing with one another.
“It’s a good problem to have,” she stressed, adding that if all goes to plan “This Women’s Work” will premiere on International Women’s Day in Chatham in 2026.
This year’s networking event begins at 11 a.m. with women gathering at the clock at the former Sears building. Participants, advised to dress warm, will march from the tower to The Garden restaurant at 193 King St. for a free event.
Food and refreshments, courtesy of Apollo Property Management, will be served from noon to 3 p.m.
The mix and mingle event will also feature music provided by deejay Courtney Wells.
Prizes will also be given out, including two-night stays donated by Retrosuites. Donations are also being accepted on behalf of the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre.
As part of the invite, the Strains want to ensure that women from across Chatham-Kent are welcome at the event.
“We want to make sure all of the townships and smaller communities are represented,” Kat said.
For more information or to register online visit Sistersstrain.com/events or access the link in the bio on their Instagram page @sistersstrain.
