International Women's Day 2014

International Women's Day (IWD), is celebrated globally on March 8 every year. It's a day that symbolizes that change is possible - where we recognize how far women have come. We salute women's advancement and celebrate their economic, political and social achievements. And in the Arab World, we stand by women who are still demanding gender equality and safety for all Arab Women on the streets and at home, from harassment, violence and discrimination.

The International Women's Day Official UN theme this year is "Equality for Women is Progress for All". And here is the message from Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General:

This International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the importance of achieving equality for women and girls not simply because it is a matter of fairness and fundamental human rights, but because progress in so many other areas depends on it.

Countries with more gender equality have better economic growth.  Companies with more women leaders perform better.  Peace agreements that include women are more durable.  Parliaments with more women enact more legislation on key social issues such as health, education, anti-discrimination and child support.

The evidence is clear: equality for women means progress for all.

This simple truth must be central as we work to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals by next year’s deadline and craft an agenda for the years beyond 2015. 

Important gains have been made in access to primary education for girls and political representation by women.  But progress remains far too slow and uneven.

A baby girl born today will still face inequality and discrimination, no matter where her mother lives.  We have a common obligation to ensure her right to live free from the violence that affects one in three women globally; to earn equal pay for equal work; to be free of the discrimination that prevents her from participating in the economy; to have an equal say in the decisions that affect her life; and to decide if and when she will have children, and how many she will have.

I have a message for every girl born today, and to every woman and girl on the planet:  Realizing human rights and equality is not a dream, it is a duty of governments, the United Nations and every human being.

I also have a message for my fellow men and boys: play your part.  All of us benefit when women and girls – your mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues -- can reach their full potential.

Together, let us work for women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality as we strive to eliminate poverty and promote sustainable development.  Equality for women is progress for all!

If you want to stand by women and do an act of kindness, join The Kindness Project and other Organizations by marching today March 8th, 2014, from 2 to 3 pm from Mathaf to the Palace of Justice, Beirut Lebanon.

When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel. - Harold Kushner

By Heidi Shebaro

Founder of "The Kindness Project in the Middle East", a teacher and a blogger