It was a colorful occasion, with women celebrating International Women’s Day 2021 in Honiara, the nation’s capital.
The event started with a march through downtown Honiara, with women from different organizations and groups being represented.
“I am just happy to be here, supporting all our beautiful women,” said Tracy who is currently doing her final year studies at the National University.
“For me this is about remembering those women that came before us, those that set the benchmark for women like us to follow,” an enthusiastic Clarence said. “I work for Parliament and I do see changes every day, the conversation now is very different, we know and acknowledge the important role we all play in developing our country.”
“I think this International women’s day is a day where we as women can come together and to acknowledge the important role that women play either at our workplace or at home. It is also a chance to share issues affecting our daily lives as women,” said Rose Tala, who is the Minister of Women, Youth and Sports for Guadalcanal Province.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day has been observed for more than a century since it began in 1911. The day recognizes the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally, and it's a call to action for gender parity.
No government, corporation, organization or media entity can claim sole credit.
What is the history of International Women's Day?
The leader of the Women's Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, Clara Zetkin, suggested a celebration in every country on the same day for women to "press for their demands." This Women's Day was first observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Campaigns across Europe against WWI inspired women in other countries to adopt International Women's Day.
The date of observance moved to March 8 in 1913. The United Nations celebrated International Women's Day for the first time in 1975 and started the tradition of an annual theme in 1996, according to the official website.
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With additional input sourced from: