Int'l Women's day and Zonta Yellow Rose Day

COLOMBO: International Women's Day commemorated on March 8 is a flagship day for women. The day inspires women to rise to their full potential and achieve more throughout the world.

It's an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. IWD is also remembered at the United Nations and is designated universally, when women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate this day.

However, its history stretches back to the early 1900s, when women's organisations used the day to rally support for their causes: from the universal suffrage movement to the protest of poor working conditions. They can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.

Zontians around the world have a very special reason to celebrate this day Yellow Rose Day, in order to validate and pay a tribute to women of the past, present and the future of our country. Their efforts have made and continue to make a difference to the lives of women everywhere.

This is a day to reflect on the achievements of the past years and prepare for the challenges ahead of us to advance the status of women worldwide.

A 'Walk for Celebration' to commemorate 'International Women's Day' is being organised by the Zonta Club II of Colombo on March 12 to commence along Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha at 5 p.m. It will be flagged off by a simple ceremony.

At the conclusion of the walk 'Special Invitees' will be called upon to say a few words briefly on their "Thoughts" for this day and how it has helped empower their lives personally and professionally. The end of these proceedings will be followed by fellowship, opened to family and friends.

We expect the participation of 500 ladies or more from all walks of life, supported by eminent women from our business and professional arena who have contributed widely to our own society.