“Violence, What Do You Gain?”

Sunday 8th March marks the International Women's Day. It is common place that the day is globally declared by the United Nations for women to celebrate their achievements, reflect on what they have done and then forge ahead for more empowerment opportunities and participation in decision-making positions.

Every year, the UN suggests a theme on which women, men and the whole world reflect; not to brood over the past, but to look towards the future. Countries are free to choose their local themes if they so wish. The global theme this year (2009) is: "Men and Women United to End Violence against Women and Girls". Women have always been victims of violence though men also suffer violence, but silently. However, the men are urged to speak out and not to suffer in silence, because every one deserves justice.

The broader meaning of violence ranges from battering, sexual assault, rape, forcing very young girls into marriages, denying them education and good health-care services. This is just to mention a few. It also means doing away with archaic cultures which dehumanize and subject women to servitude, while maintaining the positive aspects which promote women dignity.

This year's theme calls on men and women to partner and work together towards ending violence against women and girls. In addition, it means collaborating towards a peaceful environment where men and women could live in harmony. I guess this is possible if we all commit ourselves.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all men and women, young girls and boys, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters and male and female leaders for collaborating towards ending violence against women and girls. I would also like to urge all of us to continue celebrating our progress, while reflecting and strategizing to do more toward a community, society and a world which upholds love, peace, justice and respect to one another.

Have you celebrated or you have forgotten? Congratulations if you did. If you forgot, now that you are reminded, would you partake in creating a world of Collo community, where women continue to enjoy love, security and respect?

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