SGA & ISO Celebrate International Women’s Day

The theme of the 2017 celebration of International Women’s Day, as set by the United Nations, is:  “Women in the Changing World of Work:  Planet 50-50 by 2030”.  The UN is promoting this theme in order to accelerate the 2030 Agenda to build momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goal number five which states:  “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls,” and number four:  “Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.”  The theme also renews the UN’s commitment under the UN Women’s Step It UP Initiative to struggle for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s human rights around the world.

The first International Women’s Day took place in 1911, following an initial ‘Woman’s Day’ organized by women in the United States in 1909 to demand political rights for women, especially the right to vote.  Based on the experience of American women, a proposal was approved the next year, at the Second International Conference of Working Women, calling for an International Working Women’s Day. The conference decided that every year, in every country, they should celebrate on the same day a “Women’s Day”.  Thus, the first International Women’s Day took place in 1911 with participation by women in North America, Europe, Northern Asia, and elsewhere.

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.  In 1913, International Women’s Day was transferred to the 8th of March, and, since then, has grown into a truly international observance celebrated by millions of women and men on every continent and in every country around the world.

On March 8, 2017, BSC International Student Organization (ISO) members will assist the BSC Student Government Association (SGA) in volunteering to distribute roses to women on campus, along with a handwritten card commemorating International Women’s Day.  Volunteers will be stationed in the Ned Shott Physical Education Building, Brown-Gilbert Basic Science Building, Mahood Hall, and Dickason Hall.

For additional information, contact ISO President and SGA Vice President Jelena Jevtić at jevtic_jn@live.bluefieldstate.edu or Colin S. Cavell, Ph.D. at ccavell@bluefieldstate.edu, 304-327-4034.

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