International Women’s Day also called International Working Women’s Day is celebrated each year on the 8th of March. It honors one of the first organized actions by working women in the world in 1857, when hundreds of women workers in garment and textile factories in New York City staged a strike against low wages, long working hours, and inhumane working conditions.
In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women’s Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on a date to be chosen by each Member State. Why dedicate a day exclusively to the celebration of the world’s women? In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women’s Day, the General Assembly cited two reasons: to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.
For the women of the world, the Day’s symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.
In recent decades, women have made tremendous progress towards achieving equality with men. Women’s access to education and proper health care has increased; their participation in the paid labor force has grown; and legislation that promises equal opportunities for women and respect for their human rights has been adopted in many countries. The world now has a growing number of women as policy-makers, however, nowhere in the world can women claim to have the same rights and opportunities as men. Women continue to be among the poorest: the majority of the world’s 1.3 billion absolute poor are women. Of the roughly 776 million people around the world who cannot read and write, two thirds are female. On the average, women receive between 30 and 40 per cent less pay than men earn for the same work. Everywhere women continue to be victims of violence, with rape and domestic violence listed as significant causes of disability and death among women worldwide. Clearly there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Each year the United Nation sets a theme for International Women’s Day. ‘Make It Happen’ is the 2015 theme, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women.
I encourage everyone to do their best to make a difference, think globally and act locally !.Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.
Events happening in Kuwait to celebrate International Women’s Day:
Date & time: 07 March 2015 10.00 to 22.00
About: The Second Annual 6abebat Bazaar held in honor of Women’s Day will host prominent social women speakers, artists, video gallery, food and market vendors and kids activities!
Venue: Bayt Lothan, Salmiya.
Organization: Kuwait Women Doctors: An independent non-profit organization for Kuwaiti women health professionals that aspires to network, enlighten and empower women.