International Women's Day celebrations at Temple Trees today
Dharma Sri Abeyratne
The national event to mark International Women's Day (IWD) 2013 will
be held under the patronage of First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at Temple
Trees today.
The event is organised by the Child Development and Women's Affairs
Ministry under the theme "Protect her who protects the family" (Pawla
rakina aeya surakimu). This theme has been selected for this year as
gratitude for the unique service rendered by mothers who protect and
safeguard the family, while dedicating their lives to uplift the family
economy.
At the event, 15 women, who have been serving the country and
contributing for the betterment of women and children engaging in
various fields, will be felicitated by the First Lady.
In line with the national event, regionwise events will also be held
at district secretariat basis. Each year around the world, International
Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of events occur
not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic,
political and social achievements of women. Organizations, governments,
charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and
the media celebrate the day. Many groups around the world choose
different themes each year relevant to global and local gender issues.
"The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum" is the theme of the IWD 2013.
Last year, the theme was "Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures". The
United Nations declares a theme for International Women's Day, and the
theme for 2013 is "A promise is a promise: Time for action to end
violence against women". In 2012, it was "Empower Rural Women " End
Hunger and Poverty". Many organizations develop International Women's
Day themes relevant to their local contexts. For instance, the Sri
Lankan theme is "Protect her who protects the family" |