What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day, March 8, is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This celebration has grown tremendously since the turn of the 20th century when it was first held in North America and across Europe. Now, women, men and children in both developing and developed countries around the world observe this day.
In 1975, the United Nations set aside March 8 for International Women’s Day. Two years later, the General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development. Over the years, the empowerment of women continues to be a central feature of the UN’s efforts to address social, economic and political challenges across the globe. The UN’s theme for 2010 is Equal rights, Equal opportunities: Progress for all. Speaking about the 2010 International Women’s Day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared that until women and girls are liberated from poverty and injustice, the goals of peace, security and sustainable development stand in jeopardy.
Opportunity International agrees with the Secretary-General’s statement. Our work is based on the belief that the greatest opportunity for interrupting cycles of extreme poverty come from microfinance programs that target female entrepreneurs. More than 85% of our clients are women. We know that when these women improve their circumstances, they also improve their children’s lives and contribute to sustainable development in their communities.
There isn’t any one correct way to observe International Women’s Day. You can find different ways of celebrating it everywhere you look. It’s a day that allows you to decide how you want to reflect on and celebrate the progress women have made. You can choose to take part in one or more of the thousands of events taking place—from business conferences to networking events to fashion parades. These events encourage citizens to think globally about the status of women worldwide and to act locally to bring change and to connect with others in the community. How will you celebrate International Women’s Day?
How Can I Be Involved?
The Global Opportunity Quilt
Celebrate International Women’s Day with us. Help us build the Global Opportunity Quilt and help a woman build a better life for her family. For only $25, you can purchase a patch on the virtual Global Opportunity Quilt. Write a message on the Quilt to declare your commitment to help create a world without poverty.
You’ll receive a $25 OptINnow gift card to help fund a loan to an entrepreneur of your choosing at www.OptINnow.org. Or, you can buy the patch and write a message in honor of a special friend or loved one. We’ll send them an email with a link to the Quilt and a $25 gift card to be used at www.OptINnow.org.
You’re not just buying a piece of quilt. You’re doing your part to help end global poverty.
Join the Women’s Opportunity Network
Opportunity International’s mission is to provide opportunities for people living in chronic poverty, so it’s no surprise that we have a history of training and empowering women as self-employed entrepreneurs. In fact, 85% of Opportunity’s 1.24 million active loan clients are women. The Women’s Opportunity Network (WON) connects these mothers, daughters and sisters who are working their way out of poverty with women around the world who would like to make a difference. Learn More about WON »
Further your education and read “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide”
Written by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn. It’s a difficult but inspiring read about the oppression of women in the developing world – but also offers concrete proof that investing in women and girls fuels economic growth and improves the quality of women’s lives. Available on Amazon »
Read more inspirational stories on ONE.orgs newest blog, Women One2One
Visit the International Women’s Day Website
Explore what other’s around the world are doing to celebrate International Women’s Day. Learn More »
