International Women's Day
Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
March 8th signifies a day for Women that is celebrated around the world.
This wildly celebrated day had humble beginnings in the start of this century in America and then in Europe. This time in history sparked the beginnings of change in the industrialized world, along with an significant increase in population. People began questioning and in fact demanding reform.
In 1908, over 15,000 women marched united through the New York City streets demanding shorter working days, increased pay cheques and the ability to cast a vote in the elections.
Through out the next few decades, women united in different countries around the world. In Russia during the first world war, women started a strike for “bread and peace” to protest the killing of 2 million of their men. Under such intense pressure the Czar finally relented and allowed women the right to vote in that country.
In December 1977 the UN General Assembly passed a resolution announcing March 8th to be a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
Annually since then, literally thousands of celebrations are staged all over the world to celebrate and motivate women to share their successes.
From huge events to local gatherings, its marks a day where women are honoured for their achievements and this day provides an opportunity to reflect back on some of atrocities women have suffered. But more importantly it is a time to really focus on changes that have been made for the positive.
In developing countries literacy has been on the rise, education and communication has been critical in ensuring women understand their rights and provide protection against violence and discrimination.
The United Nations' theme for International Women's Day in 2007 is "Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls”
Some issues that the U.N. and International Women's Day have focused on:
- 25,000 brides are killed each year in India due to insufficient dowries.
- Women who have been raped are killed by their own families to preserve the family's honor.
- 100 million to 140 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation.
Take this day for yourself and for all women around the world. Do something to celebrate and honour those who have trodden the path before us and to secure a better future for our girls. Check out local listings in your area for events you can join or partcipate in. Gift the gift of time or love to a kindred spirit and know you deserve this day and live it to your fullest
For more information on IWD, click here
