International Women’s Day
01 March 2010

On March 1st, 2010, World Vision Cambodia celebrated 100th the International Women’s Day under the theme “Together Improve Women’s and Youth’s Potentials for National Development” in the National Office, Phnom Penh. More than 200 World Vision staff, Community people, and children participated in the event including a special guest speaker from International Harvest Organization.

A sticker was stuck on participants’ shirt that says “Celebrate the 100th International Women’s Day March 8th, 2010”. The Biblical passage was taken from Galatians to reflect the value of women. “There is neither Jew nor Geek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise,” Galatians 3:28-29. The message means that women and youth are equal to men and all people in society in terms of their belief, attitude, knowledge, responsibility, job, honesty and virtue.

Ms. Esther Halim, Country Director of World Vision Cambodia, said that this year message was different from the last year, which focused on women and children. This year, it focused on women and youth because they are strong force for change. Moreover, she expressed her thank to the Royal Government of Cambodia that promoted women to become leaders in politics as well as in Ministries. She added that World Vision Cambodia is also perusing gender equality at line managers. She encouraged all women to be over housework. They must break the conservative ideas. It means they must be able to think about environment and society as well.

In the meantime, Mr. Tim Patton from International Harvest Organization links women rights with God’s word on having compassion on woman (Luke 7:11-13). In conclusion he encouraged all to have mercy and care for vulnerable people to look for people in order to touch them with HOPE.

To increase awareness of the participants, Mrs. Duong Dara, Gift and Kind and Government Relation Manager, read queen’s message to all Cambodian women.

In the valuable occasion, there are questions and answers, dancing, comedy performance, poem and songs, which are link with women rights and relations between men and women. On the end of the ceremony, all people sing and pray for women in Cambodia and the World.

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