Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Celebrating Women: 100 years On...

"This year marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
The day was commemorated for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, following its establishment during the Socialist International meeting the prior year.
More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration.

Since then, International Women’s Day has been celebrated in many countries around the world.

It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.

It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Two years later, in December 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation.

International Women’s Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike.

The growing international women’s movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nations women’s conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political and economic arenas.

It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities." -- UN Women

Happy International Women's Day!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Salams Dato,
Hoping for some nasty men to have lots of respect for all women.

wawa

Anonymous said...

Dear Ms Wawa,

There are nasty men as are nasty women. Being equal does not gives one to chastise the other.
Being equal should made us more respectful, accommodating and understanding towards others.

It should also not be about gender alone but the oppressed, the minorities as well.

cleopatra said...

Here's to you Nuraina, and all the women out there!

Keep the faith and fight the good fight.

NURAINA A SAMAD said...

cleopatra,
thank you kindly. and to you too.