La Journe de la Femme: The Day of the Woman
I grew up in a household of women with three sisters, a female dog that gave birth to four female puppies, a grandmother and a mother, of course…and then there was the poor patriarch (my father) who didn’t know what to do with all of us except hide and try not to get involved. When I married and started a family, I prayed for a girl (since I wouldn’t have known how to deal with all that testosterone) and thank goodness, lo and behold, I had a daughter.
The feminist movement began just about the time my hormones kicked in and it was very natural to follow the tide of the times, always having been independent, career-oriented and battling the opposite sex for success. After all these years, it may still be a man’s world, but I wouldn’t want to be one! That’s what millions of women across the globe will be celebrating tomorrow during the Annual Journée de la Femme, or International Women’s Day.
A word from the U.N…
In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating March 8th as International Women’s Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. For the United Nations, International Women’s Day has been observed on March 8th since 1975. The Day is traditionally marked with a message from the Secretary-General.International Women’s Day is celebrated here in France as well as in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.The theme this year is: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls (http://www.un.org/events/women/iwd/2007/index.html)Why dedicate a day exclusively to the celebration of the world’s women? In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women’s day, the General Assembly cited two reasons: to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. For the women of the world, the Day’s symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.
involvement of women in peace negotiations and post-conflict political processes.
“UNESCO’s constitution states that ‘since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.’ This year, to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), we wish to pay tribute to the women around the world who are courageously, and often anonymously, constructing the defenses of peace.“
On the UNESCO agenda includes:
* WOMEN PEACEMAKERS – International Conference – March 8, 2007
* LAUNCH OF THE “Group of Women Ambassadors to UNESCO for Gender Equality” March 8, 2007
* LAUNCH OF THE “UNESCO International Network of Women Philosophers” March 8, 2007
* CHINDIART – Painting Exhibition February 28 to March 8, 2007
* FILIPINAS – Photography Exhibition February 28 to March 8, 2007
* FROM BIODIVERSITY TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY – Photography Exhibition March 5 to March 15, 2007
* DAOULA – Cotton jewelry Exhibition March 5 to March 16, 2007
* AWAY: WOMEN, CREATIVITY, DIASPORA AND INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE –
Art Exhibition March 8 to March 22, 2007
* PAPER COLLAGES – Photography Exhibition March 8 to March 22 2007
* JAPAN – MIYABI: SPLENDOR AND SERENITY: Evening of Japanese Art March 8, 2007
* WOMEN, CREATIVITY, AND DIASPORA: INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE – Round Table – March 7, 2007
* FEMALE LUMINARIES OF JAPAN, FROM YESTERDAY AND TODAY – Round table – March 9, 2007
The official brochure can be downloaded at: http://unesdoc.unesco.org with more information and registration is required for all events, except exhibitions. Contact : [email protected] or Tel: 01.45.68.13.68
For La Femme Française, visit the site: http://www.journeedelafemme.com/ And for more on what’s happening here in Paris, visit the city site at http://www.paris.fr/
Women and femmes everywhere…celelbrate! Don’t miss this opportunity to strut your stuff.
A la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
Editor, Parler Paris
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P.S. Last minute offerings: Stay in Le Florentin or Le Medieval available from March 10 to 22 — reserve one or the two together at a discounted rate!:
* Le Florentin at 95€ per night (normally 125€)
* Le Medieval at 125€ instead of 180€
* Both for 2 couples or 1 couple with children at 200€ per night
* minimum 4 nights for all bookings
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