International Women’s Day Empowering Women – Empowering Humanity

March 8 is International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day 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.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Women – Empowering Humanity: Picture It!” envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination.

International Women’s Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day, is celebrated on March 8 every year.  Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended the culture of many countries.

In 2015, International Women’s Day will highlight the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic road-map signed by 189 governments 20 years ago that sets the agenda for realizing women’s rights. While there have been many achievements since then, many serious gaps remain. This is the time to uphold women’s achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality to mobilize all people to do their part.

Courtesy of  United Nations. It’s your world