15/1089-90,
VASUNDHARA, VASUNDHARA (P.O.), Dt. GHAZIABAD (U.P), PIN-201012
Website: www.auditflag.blogspot.com
Reference: AIA/Circular-05/2018 Dated:
5th March 2018
To
Unit
Secretaries,
Members
& Spl. Invitees – NE &
Members of
Women’s Committee
Dear
Comrades,
OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ON
8TH MARCH
Every year, the world observes 8th
March as International Women’s Day reminding of the struggles of the earlier
generation for right to dignified life with equality in all spheres for women. The
United Nations (UN) way back in 1970s decided to observe the year 1976 as
“WOMEN’S YEAR”. After 42 years since the observance of a whole year for the
cause of women, very recently the UN has to include the women issues with all
prominence in its 2030 Agenda (which is reproduced below).
We find that WOMEN’S DAY is observed
in almost every office with pomp, with galaxy of VIPs appearing on the stage
and talking about the contribution of women. But how many of such occasions are
really used to discuss serious issues that concern women and children and the
society at large. The oppression of women, denial of due space to women in the
family, the superstitions and so-called customs that are fed into the young
minds from the day they are born are rarely subjected to discussions.
On issues like own marriage even
today the women do not have right to choose. The killings in the name of
“honour” are rampant across India. The demon of dowry rules the roost. Right to
property to daughters is an anathema even today in majority parts of the
country.
Sexual harassment at workplaces is
common to see in this country. Despite all big talk, when the issue of sexual
harassment crops up all the officers – atleast in IA&AD – joins together
and end up in prosecuting the victim. (The incident in the O/o AG, Delhi is the
recent one to quote). The family and the society, instead of standing with the
victim try to demoralise and demonise her and also, many times, indulge in the
character assassination of the victim.
International Women’s Day may be
observed with all seriousness, discussing and focusing on the issues. We should
not end up its observance just like a religious event. What is required is
discussion and decision rich in content and not pomp and show.
All our Units are requested to cause
introspection and ensure quality in observance of International Women’s Day
from this year onwards.
With greetings,
Yours fraternally
M. S. Raja
Secretary General
International
Women's Day
8 March
8 March
International
Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to
celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played
an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
It is also
an opportunity to consider how to accelerate the 2030
Agenda set by the United Nations (UN), building momentum for the
effective implementation of the Sustainable
Development Goals, especially goal number 5: Achieve gender equality
and empower all women and girls; and number 4: Ensure inclusive and quality
education for all and promote lifelong learning.
Some key
targets of the (UN) 2030 Agenda:
- By 2030, ensure that all girls
and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary
education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes.
- By 2030, ensure that all girls
and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and
preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
- End all forms of discrimination
against all women and girls everywhere.
- Eliminate all forms of violence
against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including
trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- Eliminate all harmful
practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital
mutilation.
“Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s
lives”
This year,
International Women’s Day comes on the heels of unprecedented global movement
for women’s rights, equality and justice. Sexual harassment, violence and
discrimination against women has captured headlines and public discourse,
propelled by a rising determination for change.
International
Women’s Day 2018 is an opportunity to transform this momentum into action, to
empower women in all settings, rural and urban, and celebrate the activists who
are working relentlessly to claim women’s rights and realize their full
potential.
Echoing
the priority theme of the upcoming 62nd
session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, International
Women’s Day will also draw attention to the rights and activism of rural women,
who make up over a quarter of the world population and
majority of the 43 per cent of women in the global
agricultural labour force.
They till
the lands and plant seeds to feed nations, ensure food security for their
communities and build climate resilience. Yet, on almost every measure of
development, because of deep seated gender inequalities and discrimination,
rural women fare worse than rural men or urban women. For instance, less
than 20
per cent of landholders worldwide are women, and while the
global pay gap between men and women stand at 23 per cent, in rural areas, it
can be as high as 40 per cent. They lack infrastructure and
services, decent work and social protection, and are left more vulnerable to
the effects of climate change. Rural women and their organizations represent an
enormous potential, and they are on the move to claim their rights and improve
their livelihoods and wellbeing. They are using innovative agricultural
methods, setting up successful businesses and acquiring new skills, pursuing
their legal entitlements and running for office.
On 8
March, join activists around the world and UN Women to seize the moment,
celebrate, take action and transform women’s lives everywhere. The time is NOW.
*****
