By Rachel Ndjondjo | Photo by Mark Mattos
Every year on March 8, the world marks International Women’s Day. Celebrated since 1910 under different themes, the holiday offers a moment to recognize the crucial role women play in society and to reflect on the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Beyond commemoration, the day provides an opportunity for communities to gather, share experiences, and nurture hope for a more supportive and inclusive future.
In Portland, Maine, the celebration took the form of a community gathering called “Women to Women Gathering,” an event designed to create a space where women from different cultures can meet, exchange ideas, and celebrate their diversity.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, more than one hundred Burundian women gathered at the Portland Eagles Banquet Hall to take part in the event. More than just a celebration, the gathering became a moment of connection and solidarity among women from different cultural backgrounds and generations.
As soon as guests entered the hall, the atmosphere revealed the rich cultural spirit of the gathering. Participants wore beautiful traditional dresses in vibrant colors from Africa and beyond. Carefully styled hair, traditional accessories, and bright patterned fabrics gave the evening both a festive and elegant feel. Laughter and conversation filled the room as music created a warm and joyful atmosphere.
The evening was filled with games, music, and opportunities for participants to connect with one another. For many women, the event represented much more than a symbolic celebration. Several Burundian women living in Maine said the day is essential.
For them, it represents a valuable moment to share experiences and strengthen bonds among women.
Among the participants was Caritas Igirukwayo, who has lived in the United States since February 18, 2025. This was her second time attending the gathering. She recalled that a friend had invited her to attend the event the previous year and that the experience had deeply marked her. “International Women’s Day is very important. In my country, Burundi, this day is also celebrated with great enthusiasm,” she explained.
Before moving to the United States, Igirukwayo worked for the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, the economic capital of Burundi where the central administration, embassies, and several United Nations agencies are concentrated.
Igirukwayo noted that the day represents an important moment for women. “It is a great opportunity to come together, to exchange ideas, and to celebrate the fundamental role women play in society — within families, communities, and institutions,” she said. She reflected on the differences between celebrations in Burundi and what she now experiences in the United States. “In Burundi, activities often took place within institutions or workplaces. Here, I see that the community aspect is much stronger. Women from different backgrounds gather together, and that diversity makes the event even richer.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparing her first participation with this year’s gathering, she also noticed several changes. “Last year I had just arrived in the community and didn’t know many people. This year the atmosphere felt even more dynamic, with more participants and activities that brought a lot of joy to the evening.” According to Igirukwayo, gatherings like this help strengthen relationships among women and foster a true spirit of solidarity. The diversity of participants particularly stood out to her. “It wasn’t only Burundian women. There were also women from Rwanda [and] the Democratic Republic of [the] Congo, as well as American women from different cultural backgrounds. That perfectly reflects the spirit of International Women’s Day,” she said.
Igirukwayo also addressed some common misconceptions about the celebration. “Some people think it is simply an excuse for women to go out late or to party. But that view is too simplistic. Men should instead understand the importance of this day and support women in celebrating it.” She pointed out that a year has 365 days. “If only one day is dedicated to women, it is normal that they take that moment to relax, enjoy themselves, and feel valued,” she said.
However, she emphasized the importance of balancing celebration with family responsibilities.
“When women participate in these events responsibly, it strengthens trust within families and allows the celebration to take place in an atmosphere of respect and understanding.”
Among the guests was Leah Hargrove, Executive Director of Ladder to the Moon Network. She said she was deeply moved by the positive energy and solidarity present in the room.
“What struck me most was seeing women from Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of [the] Congo, and also American women gathered together to celebrate their identity and strength,” she said.
She noted that in some cultures it is rare to see women of all generations gather together in this way. “Sometimes we celebrate certain milestones in young girls’ lives, but seeing women of all ages sharing the same space is truly special,” she explained. The presence of young girls, mothers, pregnant women, and older women gave her a strong sense of hope. “Seeing all these generations together reinforces the meaning of this celebration. It gave me even more courage and pride in being a woman.”
Hargrove expressed admiration for the resilience of immigrant women present at the gathering. “These women have left their countries to build new lives in the United States. Despite the challenges of immigration, language barriers, and cultural adaptation, they show incredible strength.” According to her, immigrant communities bring a valuable cultural richness to American society. “Events like this give me hope for the future of the United States.”
Young girls were also a visible presence during the celebration. Among them was Frista Akimana, whose mother is one of the organizers. For the young participant, the experience was deeply inspiring. “It was incredible to see so many women gathered together to support the community,” she said. The experience also helped her understand the importance of community engagement.“When I grow up, I want to help other women too,” Akimana said.
Akimana’s mother has always taught her that women often face many challenges. “That’s why it’s important for them to always support one another,” she added.
Her message to young girls is simple. “Believe in yourself, become a strong woman, and support other women.”
Another participant, Stephanie Endambo, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was attending such an event in Portland for the first time. “As soon as I entered the room, I felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere,” she said.
Endambo noted that it is not always easy for immigrant women to find spaces where they can meet and freely share their experiences. “But here, only a few minutes after I arrived, several women came to greet me and welcome me. That really touched me.” The atmosphere reminded her of community gatherings in her home country. “Finding that kind of atmosphere in a foreign country is very emotional,” she said. According to her, gatherings like this are essential for immigrant women. “They allow us to create connections, share our stories, and support one another in our journeys in the United States.” she said.
Behind the initiative is Santiana Nzeye, founder of the Women to Women organization and the main organizer of the event. A mother of two who has lived in the United States for nine years, she actively works to create spaces of solidarity for women.
Nzeye explained that organizing the event was not easy. “The community has been going through difficult moments, and many people are still carrying trauma,” she said. Initially, preparations had begun much earlier but were paused because organizers feared there might not be enough participation. “Then, a few weeks before the event, I received many calls from women asking me not to cancel it,” Nzeye recalled. Some told her they needed a moment to reconnect with other women after difficult periods.
Encouraged by these messages, she decided to move forward with the event. “We only had three weeks to prepare everything. I reached out to friends, volunteers, and entrepreneurs within the community.” Thanks to this collective effort and the support of local sponsors, the event was able to take place.
Among the organizers was Ninette Irabaruta, who emphasized the importance of gatherings like this in the current context. “Today, with everything happening around ICE and immigration, we saw more than a hundred people show up. For me, that is a real testament to solidarity. Even in times of crisis, people continue to come together. People need community. They want to feel free, to be together, and to support one another,” she said.
Irabaruta added that the presence of elders gave the event a deeper meaning. “Being able to bring the elders made this moment even more meaningful. It gave the gathering a dimension much bigger than just an event.”
To the rhythm of traditional Burundian dance, participants celebrated both their culture and their solidarity. Before leaving, many participants from different backgrounds expressed the same hope: to continue strengthening these connections and to expand such initiatives to other communities.
