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03.08.2018
(UN Secretary General, António Guterres)
On this March 8th, in a spirit of unity our thoughts and prayers join with thousands of people who recognize the importance, value and greatness of women.
The first observance of a Women\�s Day was held on February 28, 1909 in New York, and in 1910 the International Woman\�s Conference asked that March 8 become an "International Woman\�s Day." Some countries began celebrating years later after women achieved the right to vote. In 1975, the date of March 8th as International Women’s Day was adopted by the United Nations and since then is celebrated on this day in most countries.
International Women\�s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of ordinary women and this year’s focus is action for accelerating gender equality. (SDG 5). IWD will also draw attention to the rights and activism of rural women, who make up over a quarter of the world population and who are part of the global agricultural labor force. They till the lands and plant seeds to feed nations, ensure food security for their communities and build climate resilience. Yet, because of deep-seated gender inequalities and discrimination, rural women fare worse than rural men or urban women. For instance, less than 20% of landholders worldwide are women, and while the global pay gap between men and women stands at 23%, in rural areas, it can be as high as 40 %. (UN)
Collectively every person and all groups can make a difference within their sphere of influence by taking concrete action to help drive gender equality. This also includes continued efforts to safeguard girls and women trafficking and forced migration, putting an end to modern day slavery. the family unit to national forums, it is a big day for inspiration and change.
We encourage each of you to choose one area to concentrate on as we all work for gender equality.
◊ Maintain a gender equality mindset
◊ Challenge stereotypes and bias
◊ Strengthen positive visibility of women
◊ Teach others and influence their beliefs about women’s issues
◊ Celebrate women’s achievements
On this International Women\�s Day, we commit ourselves to stand with all women today to continue to build a New Earth, one that witnesses to the Reign of God present in our world amidst the struggles. We do so in the same spirit of justice and compassion portrayed by the women who have struggled for decades for a more habitable earth.
Blessings to all.
Sr. Sally Hodgdon, Sr. Mariaelena Aceti, Sr. Ieda Tomazini, Sr. Philomena Pazhuruparambil
