Many problems that are faced by women arise as a direct consequence of their gender. For example:
Trafficking of women – Every day, in countries around the world, women and girls, desperate for economic opportunity, and seeking to follow their dreams of a better life, are lured from home by promises of jobs and security. Sadly, they too often find themselves trapped in a nightmare, turned into prostitutes, imprisoned by employers, mistreated, sexually abused and often never seen nor heard from again.
Women and health – Often women have different and unequal access to, and use of, basic health resources, including primary health services for the prevention and treatment of childhood diseases, malnutrition, anaemia, and health-care during and after pregnancy.
Women in armed conflict – While entire communities suffer the consequences of armed conflict, women and girls are particularly affected because of their status in society and their gender.
Women and poverty – More than 1 billion people in the world today, the great majority of whom are women, live in unacceptable conditions of poverty, mostly in developing countries.
Violence against women – Women’s lives continue to be endangered by violence which is directed at them simply because they are women. Violence against women knows no class, race, or age. It exists across all socio-economic groups, and it is a daily phenomenon in the lives of women throughout the world.
Refugee women – Refugee women face ongoing violations of their Human Rights. Often, they are subject to unequal and inequitable access to food, water, shelter, and essential health-care.
Women and Illiteracy – Women continue to suffer by not receiving basic education. They are denied the learning of skills and abilities that enhance the quality of life.
Women’s rights exist in the home, in the workplace, in the community and all over the world.
How can we ensure we enhance the rights of women from this day onwards?
On March 8th 2011, the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
The perils of not recognising women and granting them rights are evident in society today.
As mentioned by Human Rights Watch –
“It requires all of us to unite in solidarity to end traditions, practices, and laws that harm women. It is a fight for freedom to be fully and completely human and equal without apology or permission. Ultimately, the struggle for women’s human rights must be about making women’s lives matter everywhere all the time. In practice, this means taking action to stop discrimination and violence against women.” http://www.hrw.org/en/category/topic/women
If around you there is a woman or girl who is spoken to rudely, if there is violence or abuse, disrespect and unfairness present, then please do something to help. Do not let it continue.
Educate the people around you and tell them how important and valuable Women are for this generation and the next. Tell people about her 30 Human Rights.
It is through her creativity and ability that we lay the foundation of moral values in our society. It is through her guidance that our children grow up to make a better tomorrow. She is valuable and she must be cherished.
Please conduct seminars and talks to celebrate International Women’s Day in the month of March.
Give women the dignity they deserve.
“Women themselves have the right to live in dignity, in freedom from want and freedom from fear. On this International Women’s Day, let us rededicate ourselves to making that a reality. — Kofi Annan
“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women. “– Muhammad Ali Jinnah
“Educate a man and you educate an individual. Educate a woman and you educate a family.” — A.Cripps
“We are victims of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up within the four walls of the houses as prisoners. There is no sanction anywhere for the deplorable condition in which our women have to live. ” — Muhammad Ali Jinnah
“When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in life.” — Kofi Annan