"It is incumbent upon all men and women, members of the armed forces and forces for peacekeeping, leaders and ordinary citizens, to contribute to ending violence against women. States must keep their commitments to fight against violence, by bringing to justice the perpetrators and providing remedies to victims. Each of us must speak of these acts of violence in family, workplace and community, for a term to be set. "
Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General
In 1977, the UN invited each country of the world to celebrate a day for women’s rights. March 8th, 2009- Journee Internationale de la Femme- It is a day to demonstrate across the world the opportunity to claim equality, to make an assessment on the situation of women, and to celebrate the victories and advancements made by women throughout history.
Especially in developing countries, this holiday focuses on overcoming violence against women and girls. According to UNICEF, in the least developed countries, like Congo, women are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth or from complications related to pregnancy, than in developed countries. And, if armed conflict and other situations of violence affect whole communities, women are more vulnerable to rape and other forms of sexual violence. Whether because of insecurity or lack of transportation, women often cannot visit a medical facility to give birth safely.
Journee Internationale de la Femme is a well renowned holiday here in Congo. I took a lot of pictures of the event and have put them in an album at the bottom of the post. The women paraded around all day, dancing and singing, while men played flutes and drums. Women of all vocations danced the day away- nurses, teachers, soldiers, merchants, students, children, and many more. It was so full of energy that the 5 hours we were there seemed like minutes.
I thought today I’d have a more interactive post to celebrate this holiday. I know March 8th has already past, but hopefully this post will keep the spirit going. If you are a woman, please post a comment on something that you have overcome or something or someone that has inspired you to overcome your circumstances. It’s time to celebrate the achievements you, or others have made.
My desire is to spread a little hope to those here in Congo- that people are hoping with them. That people around the world are hoping and praying for a day that things will be different, for a day that is no longer drenched with the despair, shame, and violence women around the world experience every day, especially in the developing world…
For more photos of the celebration, visit the album below
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