“Today on International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to women’s rights and move forward with courage and determination. Let us defend human rights, the inherent dignity and worth of the human person, and the equal rights of men and women.”
– UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet, 2012. Read her full remarks.
Each year, The Hunger Project joins billions of people around the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) to honor and raise a voice for women around the world. Particularly relevant given recent violent acts against women, this year’s IWD theme is “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.” Join us in advocating for equality, prosperity and empowerment for all women on March 8, 2013.
Did you know?
- Up to 70% of women will experience physical violence in their lifetime
- Lower levels of education contribute to an increase in the likelihood of exposure to sexual violence
- Cultural acceptance of violence against women is still prevalent in much of the world
But this violence does not have to be inevitable. It is a manifestation of gender discrimination – a very real and addressable issue that is a focus of nearly every facet of Hunger Project programs around the world. Through all of our programs, we aim to support women, build their capacity and ensure their voices are heard and influence felt, in their own families and communities. By promoting the education of women and men, girls and boys, The Hunger Project works with communities that are eliminating gender discrimination once and for all and seeing a reduction in the terrible side effects of it – such as violence against women and girls.
Join us in ending the violence and building a brighter, prosperous future for all women.
Don’t forget: If you are having an IWD event, let us know! Share with us on Facebook, Twitter or here on our blog!
Learn More
- Top Ten Interventions for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality by THP Executive VP John Coonrod
- Official IWD 2013 statement from UN Women
- The Hunger Project has a long history of bringing together a global community of women to fight for one anothers rights. Meet some of the powerful women in our investor family who have pledged to stand side-by-side with women in the developing world to ensure equal access to opportunity and prosperity.
What You Can Do This IWD
ONLINE:
- Tweet about an empowered women in your life & how you’re celebrating IWD with #IWD2013
- Follow our International Women’s Day Pinterest board
- Learn more about THP’s work to empower women
- Share photos from IWD events from Hunger Project programs around the world
- See how THP honored IWD 2012
- Check back here soon for photos and stories from IWD events around the world!
IN PERSON:
- Join us on March 7 in New York City as we co-host an event with Oxfam
- In The Netherlands, join the Ladies First campaign with events to get active and raise awareness!
- Find an International Women’s Day event in your area.
- Better yet, host your own IWD event and let us know how it goes! Check out our Activist Resources for tips, handouts and more!
And, most importantly, you can be the difference between a life of opportunity and one without when you invest in THP’s work to empower women worldwide.
