International Women's Day
I really only learned about IWD of a few years ago, through my very inspiring and socially-aware boss at the Region of Waterloo Library. Now in it's 30th year, every March 8th, International Women's Day celebrates women around the world and their many accomplishments, while also bringing attention to the challenges that exist. Issues like poverty and violence against women need our attention!
Have a look at the above link for some examples of the kinds of events taking place today. Rallies and marches for IWD in places like India and Iran, as well as Canada-wide film screenings sponsored by the National Film Board.
Some facts:
- 80% of war refugees are women and children (UNHCR, 2001).
- World-wide, over half of new HIV infections are occurring among young people between the ages of 15 to 24, and over 60% of HIV-positive youth between the ages of 15-24 are women (UNAIDS, 2003).
- One in five women will be a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime (WHO 1997).
- 80% of war refugees are women and children (UNHCR, 2001).
- World-wide, over half of new HIV infections are occurring among young people between the ages of 15 to 24, and over 60% of HIV-positive youth between the ages of 15-24 are women (UNAIDS, 2003).
- One in five women will be a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime (WHO 1997).
In the last few months, Canada's Conservative government has cut funding to groups that work to ensure women of all backgrounds, ages, and circumstances have equal opportunities; whether it is in having affordable child care, access to health care, not fearing for their safety in a relationship, or holding the right to be paid fairly for their work. IWD has implications for us all, even right here at home.
If you want to do some more reading, WomenWatch is a website run by the United Nations. Updated frequently, it has some of the best resources available in one spot through which to both celebrate women, as well as motivate us to action.
posted by Susan @ 9:41 PM
2 Comments:
Susan, I LOVE that you started your post with a picture of the five Albertan women! If you're ever able to come visit me out here, there are great statues of Emily Murphy and Nellie McClung only a couple of blocks away from me, on the river valley walk (which is, incidentally, one of the many reasons why I still haven't moved to the south side to live with all of the normal people...!)
Hello Susan, your blog looks awesome. I was pretty perturbed when I found out that the conservative government was making those cuts, I would have gladly given up my 1% gst cut if those centres could have stayed open. I can't imqagine how many women had made the step to seek help and then had to be directed elsewhere to make that step again. Anyway, thanks for sending me your blog! And isn;t it great to be in a socialist country that actually makes an attempt to help its citizens who need it? Haha, thats why we shouldn't vote conservative.
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