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| Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. State Department photo by Michael Gross |
March 3, 2011: With a longstanding interest in women’s issues, it is fitting that Hillary Rodham Clinton will honor the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on March 8 with a series of talks and events.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the secretary, the week-long series of events (March 7-11) will highlight the achievements and aspirations of women around the globe.
In Washington, D.C., Secretary Clinton will speak at the start of the “100 Women Initiative: Empowering Women and Girls through International Exchanges.” She will host the 2011 International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony with guest First Lady Michelle Obama. She will deliver remarks at the launch of a new maternal and child health initiative between USAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the governments of Norway, Grand Challenges Canada, and the World Bank. Finally, in New York City, Secretary Clinton will deliver remarks to the 2011 Women of the World Summit.
Why International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day has been observed by the United Nations since 1975. The celebration is aimed at recognizing the role women play in bolstering international peace and security.
To play that role well, women need the ability to actively participate in their society, to enjoy equality, and to develop to their full potential. Throughout March, events are held around the world to help promote these values and honor women’s economic, political, and social achievements.
At SOS Children’s Villages, an organization that relies on local women in 132 countries to raise orphaned and vulnerable children, mothers are treasured every day.
SOS Mothers Walk the Walk
Family-based care at SOS revolves around the love and warmth of mothers. SOS Mothers are the bedrock of SOS programs.
SOS Mothers are selected because of their deep love for children. They are professionally trained in child development and psychology. Once hired, they run individual SOS households of up to ten boys and girls.
Raising children who’ve been traumatized by poverty, abuse, war, or natural disaster is challenging. SOS mothers have the passion, patience, and grit needed to help such children become productive and loving adults.
As International Women’s Day approaches, pay tribute to the hard work that loving SOS Mothers do daily. Become an SOS Global Village Builder to help SOS Mothers provide loving homes for as little as $12 per month. You'll learn all about the four principles of SOS and receive letters from the SOS Mothers to whom your support is so important.
Would you like to learn more? Sign up to receive SOS Children’s Villages eNewsletters to stay informed about issues that affect children across the globe.