International Women's Day 2024
Fostering Gender Equality with Love
Building a Sustainable Future with Conscience
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
March 08, 2024
Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good day!
The International Women's Day, which represents the relentless pursuit of women's rights worldwide, originated from the women's labor movement on March 8, 1857 in New York. In the early 20th century, the activism for equal employment rights among women had a significant impact on North America and Europe. This longstanding struggle for equality has fostered universal awareness of gender equality. Today, the women's remarkable achievements in various fields such as culture, technology, economy, and politics are widely acknowledged. On International Women's Day, I wholeheartedly honor women worldwide and express gratitude for their exceptional contributions to social progress. Let us unite in echoing the United Nations' theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," and work together towards constructing a more equitable and inclusive society.
Yin and yang are the key to maintaining balance and prosperity in the universe. Today, with women constituting nearly half of the global population, achieving gender equality and promoting women's well-being in all aspects of life is more important than ever for building a world that is both economically prosperous and environmentally sustainable. Empowering women economically is central to realizing women's rights and gender equality. Societies and cultures based on conscience value fairness and justice, and promote women's economic independence and human rights, which is pivotal for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Over the past 50 years, approximately 50% of the economic growth in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries can be attributed to the enhancement of education. Progress in the educational attainment of women and girls is a fundamental approach to enhancing women's economic empowerment. By enhancing women's economic capabilities and reducing the gender gap, not only can gender equality be achieved, but also full and productive employment, poverty eradication, food security, improving health, and reducing inequalities can be promoted.
In September 2023, at a UN side event celebrating the International Day of Peace titled “First Ladies High Level Forum,” FOWPAL invited six female leaders to ring the Bell of World Peace and Love. The First Lady of Burundi rang the Bell and stated, “I am committed to participate to peacebuilding and I wish for peace and security for all African and world women. Women and girls to be part of all decision making platforms.” The First Lady of Nigeria rang the Bell and stated, “May God's peace be upon humanity.” The First Lady of Bahamas rang the Bell and stated, “To end gender based violence, discrimination, inequality and inequity, we need peace in the homes, peace in the family and peace on the streets. Protect our planet - plant a tree. Love and respect ourselves and others.” Their wishes represented the voices of women worldwide and the yearning to enhance women's rights globally.
Peace, love, equality, and human rights are all rooted in each individual's conscience. Conscience is a divine gift granted to everyone. It guides us to discern right from wrong, distinguish good from evil, cherish life, and realize true love. Global citizens learn to respect each other, embrace differences, and pursue fairness and justice to build a harmonious and inclusive society regardless of race, gender, religion, or others. With a foundation of gender equality, universal education, and human rights, a peaceful world can become a reality.
Today, on International Women's Day, let's gather all the conscience across the globe to fulfill what is emphasized in the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope: encouraging “global citizens to act with conscience and harness the power of hope for themselves, for others, and for global security and sustainability, so that the positive energy of the universe can lead the Earth to the path of sustainable development.”
I wish all women a happy International Women's Day!
May everyone experience equality, equal rights, happiness, and freedom.
May every individual and every nation be blessed with peace and prosperity.