International perspective on women’s issues
It has been 97 years since the first International Women’s Day (IWD) and still women continue to fight for political representation, equal pay and an end to gender-based violence. ÂAustralian women have an important role to play in that global fight, UNIFEM Australia president Sue Conde said.
The achievements and successes of women worldwide will be celebrated during March, with 142 events planned throughout Australia to commemorate IWD on Monday.
Conde hopes Australian women will be alerted to the role they can play in assisting others in neighbouring countries.
UNIFEM provides assistance to innovative programs and strategies around women’s empowerment. Our four main areas are: strengthening women’s economic security and rights, ending violence against women and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS among women and girls and achieving general equality in democratic governments in times of peace and war, she said.
I don’t think that Australian women always realise that it has something to do with them -” we’re not aware of the privileges we have.
There are many women who don’t realise their voice can be heard, and it is important, and they are the people who need to be making decisions about their lives.
There are a couple of generations of women who are not empowered to make decisions. Or, if they do have the resources to be in control then they need to be aware that there are many women who don’t have that right.
AusAID continues to finance gender governance-building programs, while UNIFEM will raise money this month for its South Pacific Markets Project, which helps women take on roles at local councils to advocate for fairer standards for female market merchants.
International Women’s Day is a chance to stand up and say, -˜This is my voice and my voice is going to make a difference for the women who follow on after me’, Conde said.
info: For more information on IWD visit internationalwomensday.com. For detailson UNIFEM visit unifem.org.au.
