A contributed perspectives piece by Ciera Skeens
As International Women’s Day approaches, it is important to recognize the astonishing accomplishments of women right here in the Friendly City.
As of 2026, 3 out of 5 council members are women: Mayor Deanna Reed, Monica Robinson, and Laura Dent. Mayor Reed made history in 2017 by becoming the first Black woman mayor of Harrisonburg, following in the footsteps of Carolyn Frank, Harrisonburg’s first woman mayor who served 2000-2002.
The women on our city council have made important strides for women and the broader community and their leadership encompasses the inspiration behind and importance of International Women’s Day (IWD).
In 1975, the United Nations proclaimed IWD as a day to celebrate women’s accomplishments. From women’s suffrage to persistent issues such as reproductive rights, IWD recognizes both the challenges that women face and the ones they have overcome.
We uplift and celebrate women’s representation in public offices, which allows new perspectives including those that focus on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and more. Additionally, when young girls see women in office, it serves as an inspiration that they can also push boundaries and lead.
This year’s IWD theme is “Give to Gain,” which points to the multiplicative effect of giving to women. “When women thrive, we all rise. Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world” (IWD website).
With having a majority women on the city council, we definitely have something to celebrate. However, the work is not done. Women around the world and at home need more encouragement and tangible support.
This Saturday, March 7th, there is a march to commemorate IWD in Harrisonburg, and it is important to have as many supporters as possible; after all, the more we give, the more we gain. Community members are invited to the Harrisonburg 2026 International Women’s Day March and Rally on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Participants will gather at the Harrisonburg City Hall (on the Farmers Market side) at 10 AM for engagement activities, and then march to Court Square by 11 AM for inspiring speakers, dancers, and singers.
All are welcome! For more information check out IWDHarrisonburg.my.canva.site/.
Ciera Skeens is a junior at JMU, studying as a political science major with an anthropology minor and pre-law track.
