Le Salon International de la Femme Noire, an event that celebrates and highlights the contributions of Black Women around the world is celebrating its 7th edition and until Aug. 11 in Montreal’s Old Port.
“SIFN is a platform to highlight Black woman who shine in the shadow. And we decided to do that because I think that it was the lack of role models that we didn’t see. Not too much on the TV, but also for the younger generation, they have to know who we are,” said Dorothy Rhau, CEO of Audace au Féminin.
“Towards Sustainable Prosperity” is this year’s theme, ensuring that every woman is capable of a future where they can thrive sustainably.
“Prosperity, we don’t talk only about making more money, but it’s how we can make sure that the older generation will benefit of the accomplishments and realizations that we’re doing,” said Rhau.
Schamma Rosidor is one of the entrepreneurs present at this year’s event.
“It’s important because it’s reinforced what we’re doing. Sometimes we are alone at our house, doing our thing, doing a business, but when we see other women having our own products, we can share. Also, we have people coming to give us advice to bring our company somewhere else and further. So it’s really eye-opening having these kinds of events,” said Rosidor.
“We have different booths set up in different fields, in beauty, fashion, AI. But also, we have workshops, we have conferences, we have speed dating with some experts, so entrepreneurs can meet them on Saturday. Also, same thing, but Saturday, it’s more a celebration of all women in their diversity. So it’s really that on Saturday, and this weekend we’re going to have a gospel picnic on Sunday. So you see, it’s gathering all members of a family, so everybody can come, and it’s free,” Rhau added.
Many came out to the event, ready for what’s in store.
“I decided to come because I have a lot of things to learn, and the workshops are very amazing. I’m here to talk about my products, to meet new people,” said one attendee.
Le Salon International de la Femme Noire hopes to keep growing.
“We decided to make this event like a gift, a legacy that we wanted to leave here in Quebec, in Canada for other generations. So it will grow and grow and grow and make sure that diversity has a place here. We already have this place, but also be part of the decision of the challenges that society is facing,” said Rhau.
For more information, visit their website.