RWAMREC celebrates the international women`s day 2009

Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Organisations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.
Some years have seen global IWD themes honoured around the world, while in other years groups have preferred to 'localise' their own themes to make them more specific and relevant.

THEME: So while many people may think there is one global theme each year, this is not always correct. It is completely up to each country and group as to what appropriate theme they select.

Below are some of the global United Nation themes used for International Women's Day to date:
- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls

- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls

- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls

- 2006: Women in decision-making

- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future

- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS

- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals

- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities

- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts

- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace

- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women

- 1998: Women and Human Rights

- 1997: Women at the Peace Table

- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future

This year, RWAMREC will partner with the Ministry in Prime Minister`s office in charge of Gender and Family promotion together with other organizations of the Rwandan Civil society organizations.

RWANDA adopted the international theme as it reflects the national focus.

To mark the 8th March 2009, RWAMREC will carry out the following activities :

· Public sensitization on the theme of the year during the Umuganda day of 28th February 2009(Public Community work organized in all the country on each last Saturday of the month),
· Organize Radio Shaw on the theme: Women and Men united to end violence against women
· Public lecture on the theme of the year 2009 at KHI in collaboration with the Gender Club from KHI
· Peaceful march in Nyagatare district where the women’s day will be celebrated from at the national level

To view the pictures of the IWD celebration : click here.