International womens day

“Women are the real architects of society.”  
                                                                  ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacity                                                    
                                                    -   MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI

“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”                                        
                                                                         ~ Margaret Thatcher


“The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.”                                                                                           ~ Charles Malik

Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Organisations, governments and women’s groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.

Some years have seen global IWD themes honored around the world, while in other years groups have preferred to ‘localize’ their own themes to make them more specific and relevant.

THEME: So while many people may think there is one global theme each year, this is not always correct. It is completely up to each country and group as to what appropriate theme they select.

Below are some of the global United Nation themes used for International Women’s Day to date:

- 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women 

- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all 

- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls 

- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls 

- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls 

- 2006: Women in decision-making 

- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future

- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS 

- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals 

- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities 

- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts 

- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace 

- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women 

- 1998: Women and Human Rights 

- 1997: Women at the Peace Table 

- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future 

- 1975: First IWD celebrated by the United Nations