What do you do to honor the women in your life? Do you buy a gift or send flowers to your mother on Mother’s Day? Do you buy your sister her favorite brand of make-up or bag on her birthday? Do you give roses and chocolates to your girlfriend on Valentine’s Day? In what ways can you make a woman feel special?

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements worldwide. It’s an occasion to review how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace, and development. It’s also an opportunity to revive the campaign against the violence and abuse that millions of women still face today.

The year 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Hundreds of celebrations occur around the world, not just on March 8 but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Great improvements have been made regarding equality and the status of women in many societies. We have female presidents and astronauts, women can work, and girls are welcomed in universities. Many feel that battles have been won for women, but the unfortunate fact is that in some societies, millions of women still suffer from discrimination, abuse, violence and oppression.

March 8 is an official holiday in many countries. On this day, men honor their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc. with flowers and small gifts. Sadly, in Korea, most people have never heard of this day. I hope that next year on this day, Koreans will take some time to pause and think about the things that can make a difference in the lives of women. Also, Koreans should dedicate this day in honoring the women in their lives – mothers, sisters, wives, friends and colleagues.

Some women are celebrating their womanhood by helping other women in need. A group of foreign and Korean women are organizing the 2011 V-Day Campaign in Changwon city. The purpose of the campaign is to raise money and awareness for local organizations that work to stop violence against women and girls. This year, a performance of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play “The Vagina Monologues” will be held on March 26, Saturday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Women’s Development Center Auditorium. A number of female CWNU students from the English Language and Literature Department and the International Relations Department will be participating in the said performance. Aside from the performance, a lot of fundraising events will be held all throughout March. Proceeds from the V-Day Campaign events will be donated to the women of Haiti and a local charity (Women’s Development Center). It is hoped that through this benefit events, people will be educated about the reality of violence against women and the efforts to end it.

by Cecile Hwang, Language Education Center

Cecile Hwang  -

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