TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. -- Congressman Gus Bilirakis held a women’s summit to touch on important issues Saturday morning.
- Congressman Gus Bilirakis held a women's summit Saturday
- The attendees were met by protesters
- Bilirakis held summit to cover topics women want to talk about
However, what is important was subjective to many of the people who showed up to East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs.
"While I understand and appreciate that he is trying to address women's issues, he clearly did not communicate with his audience," said Beth Weinstein who was one of the protesters dressed as a handmaid holding signs.
The group of women made it clear that the women's summit wasn't for them.
Bilirakis said the event has been months in the making and he is simply covering topics that women in the community he lives in want to talk about.
"The mental health issues that affect everyone, obviously the opiood crisis does as well, and substance abuse issues in general," said Bilirakis, a republican who represents District 12.
Dozens of break-out sessions led by female community leaders hit on topics like finding work life balance, becoming involved in government, and community gardening.
"To say that community gardening is going to fix our infrastructure is completely short sighted and out of touch," said Weinstein.
"So what we want to do is emphasize, just like Michelle Obama did when she was in the white house, is community gardening. It's to help constituents who don't have access," said Bilirakis.
Though the two groups don't see eye to eye on every issue, they agree women's issues should not be pushed aside.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Judy Genshaft, President of the University of South Florida, and she spoke to hundreds of women about her career path in hopes of inspiring others.