International Women’s Month March 2012

1. International Women’s MonthMarch 2012 March 8th of every year celebrates International Women’s Day, a global event relishing in the accomplishments of women for over the last century. International Women's Day was recognized for the first time on March 25, 1911 in Austria. The event has become progressively popular and today many commemorate the entire month of March as International Women’s Month! Diverse enrichment, reflection, and empowerment activities take place in different countries. A few nations celebrating Women which may surprise you are: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia! International Women’s Month holds more value than sending a loved one flowers. It is a month to be celebrated everyday and raise standards for girls, teen girls, and women across all nations.

2. Many obstacles have been overcome for women's equality and emancipation in the last century. As women we are now recognized “in the boardroom, in legislation rights, and as impressive role models in every aspect of life,……” It appears as if women have gained true equality. However, the fact remains that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against women is worse than that of men” (International Women’s Day 2011, 2011). Therefore, this year we all can support the empowerment of women in simple ways. Women supporting the cause • Hilary Clinton: she became a leading voice on the global stage on behalf of women in the developing world • Gloria Stienem: "Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It's about making life more fair for women everywhere." • Indria Gandhi: Gandhi was the world's longest-serving female Prime Minister, a distinction she holds to this day. • Aretha Franklin: Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1987 What can I Do? • Educate yourself on women’s issues • Reflect on your personal judgments • Treat all women with respect regardless of age, ethnicity, or social class. • Tell the women in your life how amazing they are Molly Hillig