Women are still here. So is the violence that often affects them.

That鈥檚 why Penticton author Mehrnaz Massoudi will use the launch of She鈥檚 Still Here, her latest book, to raise money for the South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS), as well as for the Penticton Art Gallery (PAG).

鈥淓vents like this are the kind of creative thinking we can use to reinforce our commitment to equality and mental health,鈥� said Carl Meadows, the well-known gender-equality activist who will emcee the event. 鈥淢ehrnaz Massoudi is literally putting her money where her beliefs are by donating all of the proceeds from the launch event for She鈥檚 Still Here: Healing Short Stories for Women to SOWINS and the Penticton Art Gallery.鈥�

The multi-media event takes place this Thursday, Nov. 23, and will feature performances by Meadows and Penticton artist Mia Harris. The performances will highlight some of the issues raised in the book鈥檚 nine short stories, which Massoudi will also comment on. After the readings, Canadian Jazz award winner Bill Coon and Salmon Arm bassist Jake McIntyre-Paul will play with Vancouver-based band Loving Memory.

鈥淩unning away from an abusive husband or partner and having no safe place to stay can happen to women of all ages and financial backgrounds. SOWINS not only provides that safe place but also a wide range of services for women to heal emotionally, regardless of the loss they suffer,鈥� said Massoudi, who is also an emotional healing coach.

She鈥檚 Still Here is described as an evocative portrayal of the human experience and its resilience in the face of suffering, betrayal, regret, and loss.

It is also a beautifully rendered expression of love in all of its forms, but especially the love we should give ourselves, said Massoudi.

For tickets or more information about the event .