In recognition of International Women’s Month, scores of Union sisters gathered at Union headquarters in Manhattan on Friday for an evening of music, culture, crafts, and celebration.

The event, which is put on by the 1199SEIU Women’s Caucus, also included the presentation of the Audrey Smith Campbell Awards, which recognize the exemplary work of the women leaders among 1199’s ranks. The prizes are named after the late Audrey Smith Campbell, who passed away during a historic strike at Kingsbridge NH in the Bronx. (Without health benefits during the strike, Smith Campbell suffered a fatal asthma attack.)

This year’s recipients were Darlene Gates, a home health aide at Buffalo’s Weinberg Campus, and Crystal Perry, an LPN at Albany’s Glendale NH. “When I heard I was nominated I was so humbled to be given an award named after such an incredible woman,” said Perry.

“Women’s work is so important. If I have something to give, I have a responsibility to give it. We have to stand together because there is so much against us.”