Maria Calle, a Home Care member with the Sunnyside agency in Queens has been with the Union for 23 years. She came to the event to honor her Ecuadorian heritage, dressed in the characteristic garb of the rural “Chola Cuencana” women who are known for farming and selling agricultural products.

“I feel happy to be here celebrating all the women of the world and also to show solidarity for the women who have suffered domestic violence,” said Calle.

A retired Home Care member from Trinidad, who now lives in Brooklyn, Erica Charles, said:

“It is important to celebrate, honor and respect women who often do most of the hard work. We need to remember that every day of the year.”

Nona Robinson, who also works in Home Care in Brooklyn, came over from Belize with her whole family in 2009.

“Back in the day, it was all about men. Now it is time for the women to shine.”