Marcu 8, 2005

International Women's Day

Stacey Murray Reporter

international Women’s Day

2006

www. internationalwomensday.com

International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, was first held in Europe in 1911, and has been a day that marked the achievements and advancement of women globally.

International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world in many different ways. In Russia it is considered a national holiday where men give presents to women for their contribution to society. In Europe, Australia and North America, the day is marked with charity events, rallies, and seminars that both celebrate the achievements of women and raise the awareness of the inequalities and oppression that many women still face internationally.

It is estimated that 1 in every 3 women will suffer from some sort of violence in her lifetime. This can include domestic violence, mutilation, rape, and the trafficking of women for sex. These are some of many issues that the United Nations Development Fund for women (UNIFEM) tries to resolve. Women around the world also face problems surrounding economic inequality.

Many other organizations around the world try to improve the conditions of women. The Global Fund for Women, and The Women’s Global Health Imperative are just a couple of the thousands of organizations devoted to the advancement of the health and liberties of women, primarily through training and educational programs.

These organizations are funded mainly by donations from people, while governments fund a small amount in some cases.

In PEI, many women’s groups are trying to create a gender balance and raise awareness of health and wellness issues on a more local level. Some of these groups include The International Women’s Association of PEI, Women’s Network PEI, and the UPEI Women’s Centre.

Leah MacLeod, the Project Director to Address Economic Equality of women at Women’s Network PEI said that the day is important because “It recognizes the essential contributions of women in our society. They’ve been devalued for so many years and giving a day back is good.”

When speaking of the problems women in PEI face, she cited many economic barriers. “Women generally have dual responsibilities as caregivers and wage earners. They work in low income and seasonal positions generally as a result.” This also hinders their ability to receive maternity leave later on, MacLeod said. “They’re ineligible because they don’t work enough hours.”

The. Women’s — Studies Department at UPEI has not planned any events specifically for the day, but Ann Braithwaite, coordinator of Women’s Studies, says it’s important because “the day helps us draw attention to the ways of which invisibility [of women] goes on.”

The Women’s Department has been offering public talks all semester long to raise awareness of women’s issues. The next talk, titled “the ‘other girls’: exoticizing and pathologizing difference(s)” is being offered by Dr. Jean Mitchell on Friday, March 10, at 2:00pm in Main 220. Everyone is invited to attend.

Events specifically for International Women’s Day are taking place all around PEI during the next few days. Several women’s groups have put together a Pamper and Play this Saturday at St. Peter’s Hall in Charlottetown. The event takes place from 2-5, and admission is 5$. All women ate welcome for snacks and pampering.

Want to celebrate the day in a smaller way? Start by congratulating the women around you.

UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD IS!

THE CADRE e 4

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The following positions are open for nominations:

Science Reps (4) Ombudsman (1)

Board of Governors (1) | Valedictorian(morning) Valedictorian(afternoon) Senior Class(5): (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Education Rep.)

President Executive VP

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For more information go to upeisu.com or visit the Student Union offices, 2" Floor South, MSC. Nominations close Thursday, March 2" 12:00pm

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