International Women’s Day 2013: Taking a Moment to Pause and Reflect5 March 2013 By Dr. L S Spedding
As has been mentioned in previous articles, the celebration of the UN recognised International Women’s Day, is noteworthy in allowing the opportunity to reflect the progress that has been – and continues to be – made in the cause of fairness and gender equality. This year the theme is the gender agenda – gaining momentum. Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. According to the official website www.internationalwomensday.com, thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day. Many groups around the world choose different themes each year relevant to global and local gender issues. By way of information set out on the website we can recall the UN selected themes – the previous United Nation International Women’s Day themes – as follows:
We all have our priorities- regional and local – as can be seen from the list of previous themes around the world also found on the website as follows:
According to various findings in Templeton’s Worldwide Laws, the vision of realistic and beneficial long-term changes that may result from this implementation is that ‘society functions at its most effective’. Bearing this in mind we should perhaps pause also amid the hectic busy lifestyle that may often overwhelm us and seek more simple priorities and solutions in our – professional and personal – lives. We should, I believe, pause in our quest for the achievement of set goals and so called successful results and instead make every effort, do our best and then detach in a calm and positive manner. We should be less hard on ourselves and let life flow a little more, valuing each moment in a spirit of gratitude for who we are and honouring the gift of our lives. It may be just as important to do a small act of kindness that seems to go unnoticed as to hit the headlines. Therefore on this upcoming International Women’s Day I would urge us all to find a moment to take a deep breath, perhaps sooth ourselves with some time in nature and celebrate what we consider – in our individual roles and in our collective existence – to be life’s true purpose and meaning.
As has been mentioned in previous articles, the celebration of the UN recognised International Women’s Day, is noteworthy in allowing the opportunity to reflect the progress that has been – and continues to be – made in the cause of fairness and gender equality. This year the theme is the gender agenda – gaining momentum. Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. According to the official website www.internationalwomensday.com, thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day. Many groups around the world choose different themes each year relevant to global and local gender issues. By way of information set out on the website we can recall the UN selected themes – the previous United Nation International Women’s Day themes – as follows:
- 2012: Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty
- 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology
- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all
- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls
- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls
- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
- 2006: Women in decision-making
- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future
- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS
- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace
- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women
- 1998: Women and Human Rights
- 1997: Women at the Peace Table
- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future
- 1975: First IWD celebrated by the United Nations
We all have our priorities- regional and local – as can be seen from the list of previous themes around the world also found on the website as follows:
- Canada, Status of Women (Federal Gov): Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality
- Australia, UNIFEM: Unite to End Violence Against Women
- Australia, Queensland Government Office for Women: Everything is possible
- Australia, WA Department for Communities: Sharing the Caring for the Future
- UK, Doncaster Council: Women’s Voices and Influence
- UK, Welsh Assembly Government: Bridging the Generational Gap
- UK, Accenture: Stretch Yourself: Achieving 50:50 in the boardroom by 2020
- USA, IBM: Women@IBM: Success in the Globally Integrated Enterprise
According to various findings in Templeton’s Worldwide Laws, the vision of realistic and beneficial long-term changes that may result from this implementation is that ‘society functions at its most effective’. Bearing this in mind we should perhaps pause also amid the hectic busy lifestyle that may often overwhelm us and seek more simple priorities and solutions in our – professional and personal – lives. We should, I believe, pause in our quest for the achievement of set goals and so called successful results and instead make every effort, do our best and then detach in a calm and positive manner. We should be less hard on ourselves and let life flow a little more, valuing each moment in a spirit of gratitude for who we are and honouring the gift of our lives. It may be just as important to do a small act of kindness that seems to go unnoticed as to hit the headlines. Therefore on this upcoming International Women’s Day I would urge us all to find a moment to take a deep breath, perhaps sooth ourselves with some time in nature and celebrate what we consider – in our individual roles and in our collective existence – to be life’s true purpose and meaning.