DailyPost Administrator posted on March 02, 2008 08:24
Theme: Shaping Progress 
Annually March 8 is celebrated in many countries as a national holiday. It is a day when women, often divided by national and international boundaries as well as political, religious and cultural differences, come together to look back to a tradition that represents a rich history of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
Today, IWD is regarded by many as the story of ordinary women as makers of history and their long struggle to participate with equality in society. In Port Vila, the Department of Women’s Affairs has organized a parade from the Anchor Inn to the Seafront Stage and proceeding on with Public Awareness Talks on Friday 7 March from 8.00am – 12.00pm.
The purpose of the parade and the public awareness is to support positive change within our communities that will pave a way forward in advancing women’s lives. This is by raising knowledge on crucial issues encountered by women living in Vila. These crucial issues such as Crime and violence against women and children, as this has raised a long outcry of women. Women in Leadership and Voter Education as we prepare women towards the upcoming National General Election. The committee realizes that this is an opportunity to let the leaders and the whole Port Vila town about the women’s stand on “Zero Tolerance in Crime and Eliminate of Violence against women and children. Women definitely require their complete state of health in order to progress and develop in the home and right through the national level.
In addition, it is an opportunity to raise awareness on empowering and strengthening women and their leadership roles in all levels. Also, the importance of making women aware of their voting rights and making critical decisions on voting the right people into parliament who will represent their voices and assist in achieving the goals women set in all levels.
Everyone who has a concern around these issues is welcome to come and join in the parade and listen to the various speakers advocating and informing people about these issues. There will be refreshments provided for everyone. Please bring your mats and enjoy the day with us. Let us support women in shaping and paving their way to success.