International Women’s Day was observed at UN Headquarters on 3 March 2010 and throughout the rest of the UN system on 8 March 2010. This year’s theme was “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All.” Click here for events sponsored by UNIFEM and National Committees for UNIFEM around International Women’s Day.
Message from UNIFEM Executive Director Inés Alberdi“In recent weeks we have seen women’s significant role in helping countries recover from disaster. Following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti, women, who head nearly one-half of the country’s households, have taken the lead in recovery efforts, caring for communities and neighbourhoods, improvising communal meals and child care arrangements. UNIFEM staff members in Haiti witnessed women in temporary shelters trying to build a sense of security for their families, making connections and sharing what they have with their neighbours.” Read more: English | Español | Français
Video Message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Written Message: عربي | 中文 | English | Español | Français | Русский
In 1977 the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution inviting Member States to proclaim a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace — International Women’s Day — to be observed on any day of the year in accordance with their historical and national traditions. Since then, the United Nations Organization has observed March 8th as International Women’s Day. The purpose of this day is to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.
For the women of the world, the symbolism of International Women’s Day has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.
International Women’s Day Events
The events in this calendar were sponsored by UNIFEM and National Committees for UNIFEM.
3–11 March 2010
Various locations in South Asia
International Women’s Day events in South Asia
3–15 de marzo de 2010
Varios lugares en Colombia
Calendario de Actividades para la Conmemoración del Día Internacional de la Mujer en Colombia
4 March 2010, 08:30–10:30
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106, Washington, DC
Second Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast Briefing – Lessons from the Frontlines: Afghanistan, Haiti and the Path to a More Secure World (flyer)
5 March 2010
UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre, Bratislava, Slovakia
Responding to Challenges of Women’s Political Participation in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States Region
5–8 March 2010
Kino Frosina, Skopje, FYR Macedonia
“Women’s Rights Nights” Film Festival
7–10 March 2010
Sudan, South Darfur, Nyala
International Women’s Day Events in Sudan
8 March 2010, 08:00–15:00
Hutzena Sports Oval, Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
Gender Equality and Political Governance in Bougainville
8 March 2010, 08:00–13:00
Hilton Hotel, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Beijing + 15: Looking Back, Looking Forward
8 March 2010, 12:00–15:00
Friendship Hall, Sudan
International Women’s Day
8 March 2010, 14:00–17:00
ILO Auditorium, 19th F, Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, Philippines
Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities, Progress for All
8 March 2010, 18:30–21:00
International Press Centre, Brussels, Belgium
Screening of the Film “Africa Rising” and Debate
8–10 March 2010
Bosnia and Herzegovina
IWD TV and Radio Events in Bosnia and Herzegovina
8–16 March 2010
National Centre for Women Development, Nigeria
Nigerian Women: Achievement, Challenges and Prospects
8 March–3 September 2010
Pacific Island countries
Essay and Photo Contest: Promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights — From National Commitments to Real Change
10 March 2010
Palestine Media Center, Al Bireh/Ramallah (close to the Brazilian Consulate), 3rd Floor, occupied Palestinian territory
Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All
10 March 2010, 11:00–16:00
Shariqa Hall, Khartoum, Sudan
International Women’s Day Events
12 March 2010, 10:30–11:30
Government Building, Hall P-38, Prishtina, Kosovo
Gender and Security: A Mapping of Security Sector Actors in Kosovo and Gender-Related Policies, Practices and Strategies (Baseline Study Launch)
16 March 2010, 20:00–22:00
Khartoum, Sudan
Public Lecture: Current and Future Perspectives of Social, Economic and Political Development of Sudanese Women in the Context of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement