International Women’s Day March 8, 2020

March 8th of each year is designated as International Women’s Day.  Although this day was first celebrated by the United Nations in 1975, women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements stretch far back into the 20th century.  This day marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Women’s rights and gender equality are taking center stage in 2020. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is, “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”.

In observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nation Headquarters is conducting a live broadcast which you may wish to attend.  It will be held on March 6, from 10 am to 1 p.m.  You can tune into this event, by going to  unwomen.org on that day.

“I am Gender Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” is more than a theme.  It is about bringing people together of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country, to drive actions that will create the gender-equal world.

You may wish to take a moment and read the Statement for International Women’s Day by Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.  In her statement for International Women’s Day, she highlights 2020 as the year for gender equality and calls on everyone to tackle the persistent barriers that we face.

It has been twenty-five years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.  This was a progressive roadmap for gender quality.  It is time to look at what progress has been made and bridge the gaps that remain.  Your actions no matter how small can impact making gender equality a reality.  Learn more about the types of actions you can take by going to; https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/2/compilation-small-actions-big-impact-for-generation-equality

Zonta Rose Day is also celebrated on March 8th of each year in tandem with International Women’s Day.  Zonta Rose Day sets aside 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.

On International Women’s Day, join #GenerationEquality and become part of the movement joining others who share in the vision for gender equality.

 

Distributed by District 4

United Nations Committee

Nancy Peacock & Margaret Geare