International Women’s Day
INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year to honour women’s rights and celebrate women and their undying contribution to our society.
The date was officially marked by the United Nations as a day to celebrate women power in the year 1975 and since then, this day is widely celebrated throughout the world. But history says that it is way back before the UN officially marked it as an international event.
The history behind this important day can be traced back to the 19th century women’s suffrage movement especially the garment workers.
It is noticed that while women constitute half of the human population and have widely progressed in many fields of life, conquering both traditional and new roles- their contributions aren’t appreciated enough.
And thus, this day is celebrated to honour women’s rights, gender equality and women’s achievements.
I applaud all the women’s rights activist organisation in Fiji such as the Fiji Women’s Crisis Center and their five branches around Fiji (Suva HQ, Rakiraki, Ba, Nadi and Labasa) for their ongoing tireless work and support towards our women and girls.
Take some time off and just stop by at these various FWCC branches near you.
This year’s 2024 theme for International Women’s Day was “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”.
So, go ahead and wish the women in your life well - your mother, grandmother, aunty, sister, sisters-in-law, daughters, niece, cousin’s partner, colleague, and friend.
You can send them cards, wishes and greetings to make them feel special on this day but make it a habit of everyday and not only on every March 8.
Or send these powerful statements and quotes to the lovely women in your life to celebrate womanhood, their talent, perseverance, and timeless wisdom.
JIOJI M CAKACAKA Carreras, Votualevu, Nadi