AASU STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 8th MARCH, 2014
International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women's Day, is marked on March 8 every year. The celebrations vary from one region to another ranging from showing respect, appreciation and love for women to recognizing their economic, political and social achievements. On this occasion of International Women's Day- 8th March, the All Africa Students' Union (AASU) wishes to salute all women worldwide particularly African women for their immense contribution to the socio-economic development, peace and relative stability on the continent.
Women have always played significant role in world affairs by contributing immensely among others in strengthening peace and friendship between peoples. Unfortunately they have suffered and still suffering discrimination one way or the other in all the societies. Though their situation may differ from one region to another; their objective remains the same- equal consideration and opportunity with men. The predicaments of women are mainly due to cultural restrictions therefore the society as the whole is responsible for this situation that deprives humanity from an incommensurable force necessary for the attainment of its needed advancement.
The All Africa Students' Union (AASU), being conscious of the important role of women in society and the need for their emancipation, has created within the AASU-Secretariat a Women Commission in order to encourage female students to take interest in students' politics as well as assume leadership roles.
We, in AASU, believe that the struggle for women's emancipation is the responsibility of all, it shouldn't be considered as specifically only for women. Therefore the worldwide struggle for political and social awareness on matters relating to women should be the concern of everybody and sundry and be addressed in a hopeful manner.
In Africa, women are generally discriminated and victims of all kinds of violence particularly in conflict zones. As some parts of the continent are engulfed in wars/civil strife notably in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mali, Central African Country (CAR) and South Sudan, the displacement of population is one of the gravest consequences of this situation where women are the hardest affected in many ways.
We call for a relentless effort on the part of all to prevent rape and other forms of sexual violence that harm the lives and dignity of many women.
We call for the participation of all in the struggle for African women emancipation based on our cultural and traditional values in tune with today's socio-economic realities.
Long live International Women's Day!
All for women's total emancipation!
Stop violence against women!
Awaah Fred
(Secretary General)
+233 243 101 626/[email protected]