by Donna Hicks

Created on: March 15, 2010   Last Updated: March 08, 2011

International Women's Rights Day may be celebrated annually on March 8th around the world, but the concerns over Women's Rights still not being protected was voiced by various government leaders and the U.N. prior to the celebration date of March 8th.

The 2010 International Women's Day Events Theme was “Equal Rights, Equal opportunities: Progress For All.” The United Nations held round-table discussions and did extensive planning to further the status of women as it examined the progress by review and appraisal made as this year marked the 15th year of the Beijing Platform For Action. Round-table discussions were held, with messages of hope and planning for the future in furthering the status of women in society were strategized. Continued violence, discrimination and economic issues affecting women were also discussed.

Tragedies Discussed at UN Women's Day Event

Although the state of women throughout the world is a tragedy in itself, there are situations that call for immediate action.

Several countries called for and revealed plans to help the women of Haiti devastated by the recent earthquake. Shelter, food, assistance for women with children, and planting of crops were all discussed, and pledges of aid were made by several organizations.

Women from Darfur, Sudan and the Congo participated in Women's Day Events. Many aid groups are still not permitted to return to Darfur, after being expelled a year ago. Atrocities against women have been a longstanding problem, and the need for assistance is great. These needs were addressed before the UN. Women are regularly raped and beaten, even killed by the police in Darfur. Many women do not report the crimes for fear of retribution by the government and because even though the rape is not their fault, women are shunned by their own families if it is known that she was raped.

Celebrations

In several European, Asian and other countries, International Women's Day is actually a recognized holiday. On this day, and in some areas, for the entire week, celebrations take place.

In the UK, celebrations and festivals take place throughout the entire week. Music, food, comedy, and fundraisers to benefit women are held.

In Italy, women receive flowers and celebrate not only the accomplishments of women, but reflect on the struggles of women to achieve equality.

Protests and rallies were held in several countries, including Iran, Taipei, Turkey, India and other countries. In some countries, the United States included, peaceful marches, conferences and celebrations were held.

The Message

No matter what country women are in, no matter the language barrier, it is clear that all women struggle for equality, that many still are victims of atrocities and that there is much that still needs to be done to further the status of and to protect women in society. Progress has been made, as is evident through the documentation presented at the UN and other conferences. Perhaps at next year's events, significant more progress will be shared and there will be much more cause to celebrate.

Sources

 UN.org/women's watch

International Women’s Day.com/media

Advocates For Human Rights

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