ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Dr. Alina Reznik, an optometrist at Lynn Community Eye Care Services, talks about International Women’s Day.
By LEAH DEARBORN
LYNN — Solidarity for International Women’s Day took many different forms on Wednesday.
Women were encouraged to take the day off from work, avoid shopping and wear red as part of A Day Without a Woman, an offshoot of the Women’s March that drew out thousands of protesters in January.
For many women across the North Shore, however, taking a break from the daily grind wasn’t an option.
“I think if we weren’t here, women would suffer and that’s not contributing to the cause,” said Cindy Steger–Wilson, director of marketing and communications at Lynn Community Health Center. “We are celebrating by being here to serve the women in our community.”
Lynn Community optometrist Dr. Alina Reznik said she sees too many patients to even consider taking a day off.
Instead, Reznik urged that women honor the event by taking care of themselves and their health.
Education coordinator Teresa Martinez of North Shore Family Daycare in Lynn said she didn’t know of any employees who elected to stay home.
“There’s a better way to show support other than by calling out,” she said.
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A few businesses in the area did opt to keep their doors closed.
“By ensuring that women have pay equity, a livable wage and paid leave, businesses can demonstrate that their long-term actions align with the values we are standing up for on this day,” said a Facebook post by Salem diner The Ugly Mug.
Others, such as Deanne Healey, president of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, were less sure of the ideal way to mark the occasion.
“I have conflicted feelings,” said Healey. “I applaud the point they’re trying to make. It’s just difficult to pull off. It’s even harder as a small business.”
Diane Calver, owner of DiHard Fitness in Peabody, employs almost entirely women.
She said that while everyone came into work on Wednesday, the business will host an all-female spin class dedicated to International Women’s Day on Friday.
“I’m a hardworking female myself,” said Calver. “Anything to do with helping women, I’m all for.”
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Leah Dearborn can be reached at [email protected].