08 March 2010 - UNAMID joins Darfur in celebrating International Women’s Day

10 Mar 2010

08 March 2010 - UNAMID joins Darfur in celebrating International Women’s Day

INFO NOTE 8/3/2010

 

INFORMATION NOTE

 

UNAMID joins Darfur in celebrating International Women's Day

El Fasher, 8 March 2010 – The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) today celebrated International Women’s Day, under the theme of "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All".

In El Fasher, North Darfur, the day began with a march through the city. Members of several women’s unions and over two hundred children from the state Scouts Organization walked side by side to celebrate to show solidarity in the fight to secure brighter futures for women in Sudan. The march ended at Al Zubair Stadium where the remainder of the festivities took place.

Cultural troupes from different tribes in the region presented vibrant cultural and musical performances.

Joining the celebration was UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), General Henry Anyidoho, State Minister of Finance Elteib Saleh Algdal, the State Wali’s wife and female representatives from various women’s unions, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) groups, civil society organizations and parliaments of all three Darfur states.

In his address, State Minister of Culture, Youth, Sport and Tourism Mr. Abdulshafie Issa Mustafa pointed out that the women of Darfur had suffered the most from the conflict, and vowed to improve their lot and to realize equal opportunities for them, especially in the coming elections, where women would get 25% representation. He expressed appreciation for UNAMID’s support in organizing an event of this importance. Mr. Mustafa stated that it was “the right of all women to run for any posts,” calling on all women to participate in similar events in pushing forward the gender equality.

DJSR Anyidoho conveyed the UN Secretary-General’s plea for gender equality, asserting that equal rights and opportunities were essential to reach sustainable progress, especially in Sudan. He praised recently-passed laws in the country, which helped ensure the safety and security of women and children.

The DJSR and Mr. Mustafa then presented representatives of women’s groups from all three states with certificates of appreciation.

Similar events took place in El Geneina, West Darfur, and Nyala, South Darfur, and were broadcast live via radio. A number of volleyball matches were also held, between women’s teams, which were attended by hundreds of the cities’ residents.

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Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts

Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org, tel.: +249 (0)92 244 3529 / mobile: +249 (0)92 241 0020

Noureddine Mezni, Spokesperson; mezni@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 253 8420/ +249 (0)91 217 4276

Mayada Umbadda, Media Relations; umbadda@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 250 1966