The central theme for 2010 is “Empowering Women to End Poverty by 2015”

In 2000, Government Leaders from around the world came together and agreed on a powerful agenda for a global partnership to fight poverty - the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Central to the achievement of these goals is gender equality.

Despite there being one specific goal of gender equality (Goal 3), without progress towards the empowerment of women, none of the other goals will be able to be achieved.

Women disproportionately suffer the burden of poverty, are victims of widespread discrimination and put their lives at risk every time they become pregnant.

This year, International Women’s Day is about recognising women’s contributions and realising and protecting their rights. To raise public awareness about the centrality of gender equality to the achievement of the MDG’s and discuss practical ways that the MDG’s can be achieved over the next 5 years.

Sometimes it is hard for people to know what would constitute ‘ending poverty’ for women. These actions are examples of what is meant when talking about empowering women to end poverty:

n Action taken to promote greater involvement of women in public life.

n Legal and social programs that give women protection from violence.

n Promotion of social change which encourages more equitable sharing of domestic burdens.

n Girls and women enabled to gain greater access to technical training and information and communication technologies.

n Needs and rights of women given greater priorities when public services are being reformed.

Seventy per cent of the world’s poor are women and this year’s theme acknowledges that empowering women can help break the cycle of poverty.

While it is important to acknowledge poverty in women around the world it is also a time to celebrate women’s achievements.

The Nyngan Local Prevention of Domestic Violence Group will host morning tea at 50 Cobar Street (Home-Start house, opp Post office) to observe the day.

All women are welcome to drop in for a cuppa and a chat between 10am and 12pm.

For more information phone: 6832 1905.