Women’s Fund hosted its second annual Night of 100 Women in July. For those in attendance, it was a night equal parts joy and vulnerability. Women were wowed by vocalist Tiffanie Bridges and poet Januarie York. They even got to express themselves through a haiku wall and roundtable discussions. More than anything else, a feeling of connection was present throughout the event.
President of Women’s Fund Tamara Winfrey-Harris was emcee for the event and kicked off the night saying, “We invited you here for Night of 100 Women because of the value women in Central Indiana provided to our strategic plan. While this was originally a one-off event last year, you all made it such a success we just had to bring it back.”
This year, the activities, questions and performances were centered on mental health. Women wanted to know about the availability of resources, where there are gaps and barriers, and what can positively or negatively affect our mental health. Even with such emotionally charged questions, the acceptance and love for others was infectious.
Women participated in five activities throughout the evening facilitated by Community Solutions, issue experts, as well as Women’s Fund staff and advisory board members. To support those discussing potentially triggering topics
surrounding mental health, there were trauma-informed, culturally competent providers on-site.
Activities included the haiku wall, a patchwork mural station, a photo booth and roundtable discussions. With so many outlets for feedback, we ended the night with a ton of passionate and insightful responses.
When asked what positively affects their mental health, women said:
- Community, family
- Balance and friends
- Music and art
- Freedom
- Movement
- Choices
- Self-care
When asked what negatively affects mental health, women said:
- Stress
- Lack of appreciation
- Comparison
- Financial burdens
- Lack of resources
- Pressure of responsibilities
- Hatred
Some offered haiku and other poetry:
I have all the space
I don’t need fancy or lace
I can listen to me
I am me… just who I am ‘posed to be
I am me…beautiful and carefree
I am me…love me, let me love you…it’s free
I am me… uniquely me, unapologetically
I…
Women’s Fund appreciates the positive feedback we received from participants and those involved with the evening. The comments and stories we compiled throughout the night will be used to inform our “State of Women in Central Indiana” report, out this fall. This report is intended to help inform the decisions of women- and girl-serving organizations throughout Central Indiana.
Thank you for another successful Night of 100 Women! We’re already looking forward to next year!
This article was published within the November 2024 issue of the Women’s Fund’s Diane magazine.
