SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - March is International Women's Month. And in observation, a celebration was held Saturday afternoon at the Elks Lodge in Springfield. Local non-profit Afri(K)que' hosted it's 13th annual International Women's Day celebration where diversity and the strength of women we re highlighted. In addition to local vendors, the event featured cultural performances all in an effort to inspire women of all ages while celebrating the ones making an impact in western Massachusetts. "There are women out there in the community who are doing great things and sometimes nobody shines a light on it. This event is their chance to come out," said Karina Tise, Founder & Executive Director of Afri(K)que. 22News Anchor Ciara Speller was there to serve as the emcee. Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh also spoke, providing a brief history lesson on the birth of International Women's Day. ...read more read less