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SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns have the opportunity to learn more about the cultures and backgrounds of Utah refugee and new American women from 20 different countries.
Women of World, a nonprofit that helps displaced women, is hosting it 13th Annual Fashion Show and Cultural Gala on March 8 at 5 p.m., at 2601 Sunnyside Avenue South in Salt Lake City. Tickets are available on the nonprofit's website.
Founder and executive director Samira Harnish started the yearly event after one of her clients was attacked while shopping at a grocery store because she was wearing traditional Congolese attire.
"She called me in the middle of the night at like one o'clock crying," Harnish said. "Someone came and pulled her purse, hit her and told her 'Since you are in our state, I don't want to see you wearing these clothes anymore. Wear just American clothes.'"
"That day I was so upset," Harnish continued. "From there, I thought, let me just go and educate the Utahns about who these people are that are coming from all over the world."
She stressed that the event isn't a pageant but an opportunity to celebrate the 65,000 refugees living in Utah.
"These women are not homeless. They don't want to be here, but they're here because of war, oppression and poverty," she said. "That's the education I give to Utahns: what country the women are from, their languages and why they are wearing these dresses. It means something to them."
The event includes live music, food and models wearing traditional dress from their countries, as well as a keynote address from businesswoman Gail Miller.
Harnish said the event has also been empowering for the women involved, many of whom have been able to make lasting connections with those who attend.
"I don't want the refugees to forget about their culture. I want them to take the best of their culture from their country and the best of American culture and to combine them to make them strong," she said. "Utah is rich with diversity, rich with these women."
