International Women’s Day to promote equal rights, equal opportunity

MI involved in women’s development, globally

By Chelsea Howard

International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8. This day marks the political, economic, and cultural impact women have made on a global scale. Each year, a different theme is chosen to convey the tone of the entire day. This year’s theme is “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All.” Kelly Moret, of Memorial’s Marine Institute (MI) has been active in the organization of International Women’s Day in St. John’s.

“It’s been the practice at MI to celebrate International Women’s Day on the Friday after the celebration of International Development Week, making it on the fifth this year.” “MI is very active with projects in developing countries,” said Moret. “International Women’s Day is following up on more gender-specific issues brought forth by International Development Week.”

One of the events that will take place during International Women’s Day in order to raise awareness regarding women’s issues is a silent auction. “Last year, MI hosted its first International Women’s Day Silent Auction. The auction, which was held at MI included artisan/craft items (approximately 70 items) which were collected in the developing world. The majority of the items are donated by MI faculty, staff, and managers who have participated in our development projects,” said Moret.

She says staff members working in developing nations donate the equivalent of up to a day’s worth of per diems towards the purchase of crafts such as wooden carvings, baskets, jewellery, and others.

“It’s recognized that women typically create the majority of the artisan items and the purchases help support the local economies and families.” Although there are no guidelines in place so as to ensure that the items are fair trade and made in a safe work environment, Moret says that the faculty involved with the International Development Program does everything possible to ensure the items are in keeping with their mandate.

“The proceeds from the silent auction go to the local food bank,” said Moret. “The reason for this is, we believe most of the people who avail of the food bank services are women – young single mothers, et cetera.” MI plans on emphasizing this year’s theme by means of a Powerpoint presentation during the events of the day. The Powerpoint will also highlight some of the work that faculty from MI are doing overseas.

For instance, MI staff are helping to train women in developing countries to maximize the output of their harvest, as well as supplement the nutritional value of the food they feed their children. Many of those who have traveled overseas to do this work will be in attendance to explain the importance of education and training to women in developing countries.

In terms of the equal rights, equal opportunities theme, Moret detailed the interesting take on a bake sale that will be happening on March 5. “We’re going to charge men $1 for an item, while charging $0.62 for a woman. This will illustrate the difference in wages typically enforced for men and women.” Some themes in previous years have been: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls, investing in women and girls, and ending impunity against women and girls. One of the goals embedded within the UN Charter states, “To achieve international co-operation … in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.” “It’s a really great event, I encourage everyone to take part,” said Moret.

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