Thursday, March 8, 2012

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2012 - UN THEME - HOW DID INDIA CELEBRATE - OUR WISHES - MAN'S DUTY TO WOMAN (!)



INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
8th, March, 2012


Today is International women's Day. This blog heartily wishes all women of the world - all happiness, health, prosperity, Education - and a loving Place in the hearts of all of their near and dear.

For this year, the United Nations has declared the International Women's Day theme as “Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty”.
 
Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, said in her Message, “Too often marginalised, women living in rural settings face steep challenges to the exercise of their human rights, their personal development and the pursuit of their aspirations. Across the world, this is weakening societies and holding back their development. Tackling this problem is the goal of the 2012 International Women’s Day….”.

The following are the United Nations International Women's Day themes for various years from 1975:

- 2012: Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty
- 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology
- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all
- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls
- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls
- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
- 2006: Women in decision-making
- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future
- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS
- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace
- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women
- 1998: Women and Human Rights
- 1997: Women at the Peace Table
- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future
- 1975: First IWD celebrated by the United Nations

UNO adopts various plans and Programs to achieve the objective of these theses every year. There is no doubt that women's prosperity and happiness is scaling new heights every year, though there are miles to go on this path still, as many leaders and nations are emphasizing.

In addition to the UNO theme for the Day – each country and each organization may have its special priorities for women, which can be expressed in their own themes.

The Guardian ( http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2012/mar/08/international-womens-day-2012-commitment-education) says that - "Women's rights have come a long way since the first International Women's Day in 1900. Early campaigners would be proud of the transformative role they played in securing votes for women, opening up access to male-only professions, and criminalising domestic violence and rape in the UK. The world is unquestionably better for many women than it was 100 years ago, thanks in no small part to the early pioneers."

How did India Celebrate the International women's Day? See the picture and details below :










The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presented “Rani Lakshmibai Award” to Ms. Sandhya Pandey (Chhatttisgarh), at the Stree Shakti Puraskar, 2011 presentation ceremony, on the occasion of International Women’s Day Celebrations, in New Delhi on March 07, 2012.

The Hon'ble President presented Stree Shakti Puraskar, 2011 to 6 women who immensely contributed in the social educational and economical upliftment of women in various sectors.

Ms. Hypno Padma Kamlakar (Andhra Pradesh) was awarded Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award. Ms. Hypno Padma has done her post graduation in sociology. She became the first women Hypnotist and psychologist to practice counselling and has conducted more than 1500 programmes across the country. 

Ms. Kanwaljit Kaur (Chandigarh) was given Kannagi Award for providing hope, guidance and counselling to blind girls. 

Ms. Jagmati Malik (Haryana) was given Mata Jijabai Award for women empowerment by organising self help groups on various issues including Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, MGNREGA, female foeticide, total sanitation and Right to Information. 

Ms. Draupadi Ghimiray (Sikkim) was conferred Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award for working for children with disability. 

Ms. Sandhya Pandey (Chhattisgarh) was conferred Rani Laxmibai Award for boldly facing enormous adversities in life after losing her eyesight in 1999. 

Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari (New Delhi) was conferred Rani Rudramma Devi Award for outstanding contribution in getting women in the mainstream by encouraging women Sarpanches to appear in public offices. 


Apart from these indicators of women's progress, courage and their achievements - women's progress in various fields is increasingly visible in India.

It is a proud achievement for India that India has a distinguished woman as its President.We especially wish her  all the health, prosperity and happiness on this occasion. 

India has several women as Union Ministers, Parliamentarians, Chief Ministers, state level Ministers and legislators - and they are doing extraordinary work and achieving tremendous progress for India. 

India has distinguished women bureaucrats at all levels, who are creating histories through their achievements.

 India has extraordinary women entrepreneurs - who are heading large corporates - by virtue of their sheer leadership qualities. It is also a matter of pride that Indian women are heading Corporates in US and other countries.

India has distinguished women Journalists - who are proving their merit at every step of their journalistic carer.

India has great women Doctors, nurses, social reformers and crusaders (against social ills and injustices) .

Who do we remember as the Most memorable Police officer? Yes. A woman again.

I congratulate all these Great women achievers of today - and wish them all - all the best of health, happiness, prosperity and love from all of their near and dear. 

Who are the most memorable persons in my own life?

My late mother who was the very epitome of love and hard work and highly knowledgeable - without whose blessings, we, her children would never have achieved any thing in Life.

My wife, who,like shadow, is always either guiding me from the front or following me from behind.

My sisters, natural and adopted and my daughters natural and adopted - all know one thing. They know how to love people and  help in all of their needs.

Indian Women (like women in most parts of the world) - have a great blessing from the Almighty. Their capacity to love and care.  May this blessing always remain with them - in all their achievements. 

There are of course some failures (of men) in taking care of women and their needs. 

May this International women's day awaken all men, to their duty to help, guide and be the loving and lovable partners in women's lives.

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