"Empower Women, End Hunger and Poverty" was the theme of International Women's Day, March 8, 2012. UPF chapters organized programs on empowering women. See reports from Argentina, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Nepal, Peru, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay..
Argentina - Music and poetry about women highlighted a festive gathering.
Burkina Faso - In partnership with the literacy program of the national Ministry of Education and the Mayor of Kokologho, UPF-Burkina Faso organized a celebration attended by more than 300 people.
Central African Republic - A conference in Bangui sponsored by the Women's Federation for World Peace, UPF, and OFCA (the main women's group in the country) concluded with an Ambassador for Peace appointment.
Czech Republic - Speaking in Prague, Mrs. Rut Kolinska, president of Kindergarten Centers and Women of Europe 2003, quoted the proverb: "The hand which moves the cradle can move the world" and emphasized women's roles in collaboration with men. Mrs. Klaara Adamova from the Buddhist Center spoke about women bringing harmony to the family, and quoted another proverb: "If the woman in the family is satisfied, then the whole family is happy."
Estonia - Following entertainment by dancers of different ethnic backgrounds living in Tallinn, two women spoke about how to combine family and social activities with the heart of a mother.
Georgia - Students at School #136 in Tbilisi participated in a creative interactive training about mutual trust and respect. They also discussed women's roles as mothers and peacemakers and issues of gender equality.
Ghana - Hon. Dr. Gladys Ashitey, former Deputy Minister of Health and a Member of Parliament, was the featured speaker at a conference at the Nogahil Hotel in Accra. She gave examples of women's contributions to the public sector, health care, and education in addition to shaping their children's character.
India - An intercollegiate debate on the theme "The Empowerment of Rural Women is Essential to Sustainable Peace and Development" took place at the Jesus and Mary College of the University of Delhi.
Nepal - Free food and clothes were distributed to 32 elderly widows, 5 elderly men, and 48 orphan children being cared for at the Ama Ghar Mothers' Home in Kathmandu.
Peru - Congressman Dr. Yonhy Lescano and his wife Patricia cosponsored a celebration in the Peruvian Congress during which several women were presented with “Protagonist for Peace” trophies in recognition of their achievements in overcoming many obstacles to establish themselves in society.
Russia - "Solidarity of Women in the Age of Globalization” was the theme of a forum in Novosibirsk that sparked lively discussions about family values, educating children, and the challenges parents face in raising children. Participants planned a series of follow-up discussions.
United Kingdom - Baroness Sandip Verma hosted a program at the House of Lords in London. A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office on Education, Equalities and Women's Issues highlighted women's central role as agents of economic change and development.
United States - Ambassadors and social activists shared the podium at a program in Washington, DC. The Ambassador of Tanzania to the US, H.E. Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar, described her early work with the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association helping women and children access justice and advocate for women’s rights.
Uruguay - Empowering rural women and ending hunger and poverty was the focus of a gathering in Montevideo featuring noted authors and professors.
For a collection of words of wisdom and empowerment by women, click here.