IIMSAM Official keeps Empowerment of Women high on His Global Schema While Observing IWD

March 7, 2010 - PRLog -- In his message on International Women Day Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while addressing the media urged peoples to support the cause of women all across the globe without any discrimination to this effect.

Speaking on the occasion to mark the day he said “A lot of atrocities are committed against women and girls as a result of whom they suffer physical, economic, sexual and psychological abuse throughout their lives. There are also some forms of sadism that are perpetuated against women and girls in the name of customs, traditions and culture. Each day, we hear of women beaten and thrown out of their marital homes. We also hear about how brilliant girls are withdrawn from school to marry against their will. These unlucky ones could be future leaders and as a result, our world looses a great chunk of its human resource in the name of culture.” He further added “this day is very instrumental in realizing the quintessence of women rights all over the globe”.

Since its birth in the socialist movement, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, IWD has grown from strength to strength annually. For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for women's rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. 1975 was designated as 'International Women's Year' by the United Nations. Women's organizations and governments around the world have also observed IWD annually on 8 March by holding large-scale events that honor women's advancement and while diligently reminding of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women's equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life. “It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. International Women's Day has been traditionally used to celebrate the achievements of women and to commemorate the successes made in advancing gender equality in the world” Dr. Homoud said while speaking on this year IWD celebrations.

Dr. Homoud said “the theme for this year celebration of IWD -Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All is self descriptive and shows the commitment of this day in itself. A truly organized egalitarian society cannot be achieved until and unless women are more empowered by providing them equality in all sphere of life”. He further added “International Women's Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the important achievements in every walk of life of women all over the world. This day shines a much needed and deserved spotlight on women in the developing world, inspiring us all through their amazing stories of strength and perseverance."

Answering a question on the effect of instability on women rights and equality Dr. Homoud contended that women are often obliged to abandon their home environment. They may have to take on unfamiliar roles – such as becoming the family's main breadwinner – often without the support of their next of kin and their communities, from whom they have frequently become separated in their flight. Faced with such tough challenges, countless women display great strength and resourcefulness in ensuring their own survival and that of their families. Still, the burden of having to seek refuge in a strange and hostile place takes a heavy toll on these women, their children and other family members in their care. In addition to the struggle for survival, these women often face increased risks to their safety and their health. They are also more exposed to the threat of sexual violence and other forms of aggression.

“It is high time when we should realize that we are not going to achieve UN Millennium Development Goals without taking women on board. The governments have to ensure the protection of women under any circumstances- be it political, economical or social. Laws have to be more tightened and subject to its real implementation if we dream of an egalitarian civilization”. Dr Homoud said. “Several surveys and reports shows that although some progress has been made to improve women's rights, gender equality is still a goal that will need to be met in the next decades and we cannot escape this responsibility just by fixing it for governments” he added.

While calling Member States of the United Nations family and other related organizations to render their unconditional support for the cause Dr. Homoud said “It is time to take these efforts to the next level.  Member States must play a stronger, better coordinated and more visible leadership role.  Member States must do more to implement the international legal and policy framework to which they have committed themselves.  And all of us must form strong and effective partnerships with civil society, which has such a crucial role to play on this issue at every level”. He further added that role of fighting for equality of women should not be confined to some targeted corners rather centralized efforts should be channelized to fight for this right.       “equality rights and equal opportunities for women is our main concern and undoubtedly until and unless both women and men massively condemn and reject every act of violence against women, our mothers, sisters, and daughters will remain unsafe at the office, in the streets and especially at home and under such adverse solutions we cannot dream for equality thus- we need to fight violence against women so that protection against all evils can be assured for them" Dr. Homoud said.

Dr. Homoud expressed his concern that despite advances towards gender equality throughout the world, much work remains to be done to ensure that women enjoy all human rights on an equal footing with men. Persistent discrimination against women still exists in every country of the world and one of its most severe manifestations is violence perpetrated against women.  “True equality means that women can live free from fear of violence in their own homes, and have economic opportunities,” said Dr. Homoud.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Homoud urged "International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to families, communities and society. It is also a day when people throughout the world take time to celebrate women's achievements, to reflect on challenges that lie ahead, and to renew commitments to women's equality. Let us pledge to work for ensuring women rights”.

While outlining the plan of IIMSAM Middle East Regional Office on celebration of IWD this year Dr. Homoud said that several activities would be sponsored by us including educational panels and workshops on women's issues such as violence against women, multiculturalism, and education. While calling support for IIMSAM which is undertaking task of eradicating hunger and malnutrition through usage of Spirulina under visionary leadership of His Excellency Ambassador Remigio M. Maradona Director General of the IIMSAM, Dr. Homoud said “supply of basic amenities like food to children and women who are hunger ridden are one of the key factors which can be very instrumental in fighting the crimes against women and children as well and we call upon the governments and organizations to support IIMSAM for larger interests of the world community, which can only be achieved if hunger and malnutrition is eradicated”. He maintained that food and nutrition are key factors which should be ensured for all especially women and children all across the globe.