A new grass roots organization for women is growing while getting set to host its first big event.
Jo-Dee Burbach and Cranla Warren, from Iris Collective Stratford, said the group strategizes about ways to support women in their community.
Iris Stratford has three core principals: connection, community and contribution.
“We looked around kind of at what exists and there are a few groups that do support women but nothing that really fit the ball for what we were looking for,” said Burbach.
Warren said there is a core group of eight, similar to a board of directors. They completed a survey of Stratford women and found some interesting answers.
“What we heard was really interesting. Women were feeling really separated. Women were feeling isolated. And they wanted to come together.”
Warren said that is where the ‘collective’ part of the name derives from.
The Iris is the flower of Stratford. Iris is also the Greek Goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods.
Warren added that a rainbow can represent hope, equity and unity.
The Local Community Food Centre is the venue for a launch event on Feb. 1, at 2 p.m., called Gather and Grow.
“It’s open to…any woman, any girl, anyone who identifies as a woman, who wants to come together and form community with us,” said Burbach.
Warren said as a small group, expansion is top of mind.
About 52 per cent of the city are female, and Warren said systems are not supporting them getting together and supporting each other.
The group wants to put together a directory or online digital tool that helps identify women-owned businesses and where they are located.
They also want to be able to facilitate mentorship between generations.
“People are looking at ways to contribute back and support one another,” added Burbach.
You can find more information on the Iris Collective Facebook page.
