As the World marks one of the most important days in its calendar today, March 8, 2018 across all countries is celebrated as The Annual International Women’s Day is held in honour of women around the world.
This year’s celebration is tagged “Press for Progress”, and credits has been given to women’s organizations and activists who have been up and doing towards advancing women’s right to health, gender quality and women’s empowerment in any part of the world.
Salutations also goes to the past heroines and activists who fought for the advancement and promotion of women’s rights to all of lives’ benefits.
Speaking about past heroines of the struggles of gender equality, the current President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all South Africans to dedicate the 2018 International Women’s Day celebration to the memory of Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu, whose centenary is being celebrated this year.
Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu, one of South Africa’s heroines who fought for the national liberation of the country and for gender emancipation.
In line with the theme for the year’s celebration “Press for Progress”, more push for the increase of rights of women in all parts of the world flags have been raised high in commendation to the achievements and changes recorded recently as regards gender equality.
Although the various pressing issues affecting the peace and progress of women and girls in the world are yet to be eradicated, but as the UNAIDS have revealed in a press statement concerning the celebration, change has come and more achievements are in view.
“But change is happening. This year, International Women’s Day is being celebrated at a time when there is a much-needed spotlight on issues of sexual harassment across multiple sectors, including the private sector, governments, international organizations and civil society. Movements such as #MeToo are challenging the behaviours and beliefs that perpetuate gender inequality, gender-based violence and sexual harassment. UNAIDS reaffirms its commitment to zero tolerance for sexual harassment. UNAIDS holds itself accountable to the same standards of ethics, equity and respect that it promotes and demands of others.”
“More and more voices are joining to challenge the sociocultural, economic and political inequalities that make women and girls more vulnerable to HIV. These changes are good for women and girls. We know that through enabling women and girls to fulfil their rights to health, to education and to self-determination, transformation becomes possible. HIV infections decline. Health improves. Education increases. Women and girls thrive,” as stated in the press release.
These progress will benefit every individual, group and nation.
“Change is happening, and the change is good.”
