Women of the World Panel Discussion at the Sacramento Sikh Temple in California on October 24, 2012. (source: Sacramento Sikh Temple)

On Wednesday, the Sacramento Sikh Temple in West Sacramento, California hosted a women-only  seminar for the Women of the World interest group of the American Association of University Women, Sacramento, to discuss various aspects of the Sikh woman’s experience:

[According to] Harjit Grewal, attorney with the Shergill Law Firm, “As a community, we have learned that events like this are our best weapon in combating ignorance and encouraging collaboration.”

“Education is like a great light that helps us see the benefits of unity. Knowledge tears down prejudice,” said [Women of the World Chairwoman] Leigh Stephens in explaining the reason that she reached out to the Sikh Community to organize this event.

“Although Sikh women have our own challenges, the evening helped remind us all that we have more that brings us together than keeps us apart,” stated [panelist] Goldy Shergill. This sentiment was echoed by Elk Grove School Board Member Bobbie Singh-Allen who said, “As a Sikh and as a woman, I am proud of my history and our traditions but as an American I am mindful that we need to do more to share our experiences with our neighbors.”

Kudos to all involved in providing this space for women to share these experiences with each other. The full press release of the event is here.