ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations
8 March 2012

ILO celebrates International Women's Day

The theme for International Women’s Day 2012 – Empower Rural Women, end poverty and hunger – highlights the need to tackle gender inequalities in the rural sector.

Type: Campaign
When: 7 - 11 March 2012
Where: Geneva, Switzerland
Contact(s): ILO Bureau for gender equality (gender@ilo.org)

Some 70 per cent of the world’s poor live in rural communities. Within these communities, the poorest of the poor are often women, who are often perceived and treated as second-class citizens. Despite the low level of recognition given to their work, their socio-economic contribution to the welfare of their households and communities is immense.

Marking International Women’s Day 2012, the ILO calls to unleash the full potential of rural women to help build a fair and equitable global economy. A high-level panel debate will take place on 8 March from 12:30 to 14:30 at the ILO headquarters in Geneva.

Prior to ILO Director-General Mr Juan Somavia's opening remarks, Ms Jane Hodges, Director, Bureau for Gender Equality, will introduce distinguished panelists:

- Ms Sue Longley, Coordinator for Agriculture, International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Association (IUF);
- Ms Zodwa F. Mabuza, Chief Executive Officer of Federation of Swaziland Employers and Chamber of Commerce; and
- Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Barbados

After the panelists debate, a question-and-answer session will take place.

Tags: rural employment, women workers, rural workers, rural development, gender equality, gender

Regions and countries covered: Global

Unit responsible: Bureau for Gender Equality

This content is available in
Español  Français 
A A+A++  Print
close

Email

ILO celebrates International Women's Day

To

Email address:
Separate multiple addresses with a comma (,)

Your details:

Your Name:
Your Email:
Send
Share this content
© 1996-2013 International Labour Organization (ILO) | Copyright and permissions | Privacy policy | Disclaimer