March 8: International Women’s Day
Focus Theme, 2004: Women & HIV/AIDS
 UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
“What is needed is positive, concrete change
that will give more power and confidence to women and girls,
and transform relations between women and men at all levels
of society. Change that will strengthen legal protection of
women’s property and inheritance rights ... . Change
that makes men assume their responsibility ... .” Read
more »
|
 UNIFEM
Executive Director Noeleen Heyzer: “Women
are demanding that they be listened to and their needs
taken seriously. ... They are demanding visibility and
understanding of the issues related to the epidemic, identifying
innovative solutions and shaping a future in which they
can live without stigma and violence.” Read more »
|
» Noeleen Heyzer speaks at the Press Briefing on Women
& HIV/AIDS |
|
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Visit the
Gender & AIDS
Portal
a comprehensive source of up-to-date information on
the gender dimensions of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
|
In 1977 the United Nations 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.
For further information on International Women's Day, please visit WomenWatch.
