International Women’s Day 2010

Programme of activities

• Women’s Day – 8 March

In 1975, the United Nations chose the date of 8 March to commemorate International Women's Day (IWD). Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. For the United Nations, International Women's Day has been observed on 8 March since 1975. The commemoration  of IWD is traditionally launched with a message from the Secretary-General.
 
 
The theme for 2010 is:
Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all
 
The National Theme for the DRC is: PROGRESS FOR ALL, GENDER EQUALITY for MEN and WOMEN at CONGO’s 50th ANNIVERSARY.

Why dedicate a day exclusively for the celebration of the world's women? In adopting its resolution on the commemoration of Women's Day, the General Assembly cited two reasons: to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation and development of women on an equal footing with men; and acknowledgement of the contributions of women in strengthening international peace and security. For women the world over, IWD has assumed a wider symbol focusing on the review and evaluation of global efforts in promoting gender equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity for stakeholders to unite, consolidate gender networks and strategies in mobilizing for meaningful change.

 

  • Peacekeepers’ Day - 29 May 
  • African Women’s Day – 31 July 
  • Non-Violence Day - 2 October 
  • Rural Women’s Day - 15 October 
  • Anniversary of the UNSC Resolution 1325 - 31 October 
  • Peace Day - 21 September 
  • 16-Day Activism Campaign on Violence against Women (25 November to 10 December) 
  • International Theme 2009 “By committing ourselves, being demanding, and acting, we can avert violence against women” 
  • HIV/AIDS Day – 1 December 
  • Human Rights Day - 10 December
PDF icon calendar_en_1.pdf