From Eleanor Roosevelt to Geena Davis, Angelina Jolie, Shakira, Charlize Theron, Debi Nova, Demi Moore, Women Peacekeepers, Women in Diplomacy, Women of Science & Technology, to the working mother struggling to feed and care for her child, we salute you. The 100th Celebration of “International Women’s Day” was March 8, 2011. In its inaugural session, Eleanor Roosevelt addressed the UN General Assembly for the UN Declaration of Human Rights. This March, we at DiplomaticallyIncorrect.org and DiplomatArtist.com pay tribute to Women. Included is a selected sampling of film reports and NEWS Blogs of women’s issues, triumphs, and tragedies, and the women who are helping to change the world and its perceptions for mankind by action or influence. Issues range from women’s health, security (physical and economic), education, employment and career opportunities, sexual violence, sex trafficking, and gender equality. In the past several months, we have witnessed the leading role that women have come to play in the calls for reform and change in the Arab world, (Tunisia, Egypt, Libya.) Women are now fighting for the political and human rights of fellowman as well as women on the streets of Arab capitals. Today some are calling the rise in violence against girls and women an epidemic. Perhaps it has always been there but only now is being exposed by activists such as Costa Rican born singer and UN Goodwill Ambassador Debi Nova. Charlize Theron and Eve Ensler were recently two special guests who spoke at the opening ceremony for the new village, "City of Joy," in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was specifically built for survivors of sexual violence as part of an effort to enhance security, recovery and empowerment. These “Diplomat Artists” are helping to raise resources and awareness. Victims of human trafficking got a boost from a new fund launched by two globally recognized actors, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Geena Davis joined UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to promote gender equality in film production. In its mission, the UN declared in Article 1 of its Charter: "To achieve international co-operation... in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion." Women's rights are human rights and gender equality is an issue of universal concern. Reflecting the past 100 years, women have come a long way, but there is still much work to do. This year's theme will focus on "equal access to education, training and science and technology - finding a decent pathway to decent work for women." Emphasis in on “Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.” Education is a basic human right, and a key driver of economic growth and social change. It is a foundation for women’s empowerment. Investing in women and girls has positive multiplier effects on the wellbeing of their families, their communities, and nations. Empowering women makes economic sense. According to a report issued by UN Food and Agriculture (FAO) “if women in rural areas had the same access to land, technology, financial services, education and markets as men do, then agricultural production could be increased and the number of hungry people reduced by 100-150 million.” Efforts have been undertaken with a campaign to eliminate the practice of genital cutting or female circumcision in 17 countries in Africa. The practice has frequently been rationalized by tradition, false modesty and even religion, although the practice is actually forbidden by the Koran. Forcing young women and girls into marriage especially before they are physically and psychologically prepared to deal has been a problem for a long time in some countries in Africa, Asia and beyond. Early marriage brings about many health problems as well, everything from miscarriages to bladder control. Changing behavior requires governments, international agencies (like UNICEF) and particularly religious/cultural elders to promote the more progressive policies. Afghanistan is still plagued by many recent practices effectively imposed by the Taliban as a consequence of over three decades of conflict. Now, some of the older generation of women are helping the younger generation to reestablish a more active role in society, from education to resisting forced marriage. In closing, my favorite film report of the month concerns “Cricket.” Maybe I have the American sports phenomenon “March Madness” on my mind. THINKWISE is a partnership between the International Cricket Council and UNICEF that draws upon the extraordinary power of the sport. Here, the buzz is not only about cricket. Young women competing, as well as the spectators, have been learning about HIV and how to prevent new infections. Information has been woven into match commentaries and HIV awareness slogans. “Be aware, save yourself” adorns T-shirts. These Bangladeshi girls are true “Diplomat Artists” --aiming high to win their sports competition and defying social taboos in bringing awareness and social consciousness to HIV. Will a future Secretary-General come from their ranks? --- By, Susan Sacirbey “International Women’s Day – 100th Anniversary” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/international-womens-day-100th-anniversary/25348 “UN Women – From –To” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/un-womenfrom-to/25110 “Why Women Peacekeepers” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/why-women-peacekeepers/25903 “Sexual Violence Survivors/”City of Joy” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/sexual-violence-survivorscity-of-joy/24498 “Debi Nova/Stop Violence Against Girls Women” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/debi-novastop-violence-against-girls-women/23903 “Demi More & Aston Kutcher” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/demi-moore-ashton-kutcher/22734 “Geena Davis – Women in Film Production” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/geena-davis-women-in-film-production/25536 “Women of Science UNESCO/L’Oreal Awards” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/women-of-science-unescoloreal-awards/25375 “Women’s Rights Equal More Food” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/womens-rightsmore-food/25377 “Stopping Female Genital Cutting” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/stopping-female-genital-cutting/24195 “Forced & Early Marriage” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/forced-early-marriage/24085 “Afghan Women Regaining Rightful Role” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/afghan-women-regaining-rightful-role/25719 “Bangladesh Cricket – Girls Prevent AIDS” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/bangladesh-cricket-girls-prevent-aids/25401 Read More at: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/women-in-diplomacy-peacekeeping-peacebuilding-by-ambassador-mo/26529 www.diplomaticallyincorrect.org www.Diplomatartist.com humanitarianwebtv.com/ Facebook: Find us @ Diplomatically Incorrect and Diplomat Artist Twitter: @ DiplomaticallyX