Susquehanna University

514 University Ave

Selinsgrove, PA
17870

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anna Trapane

March 9, 2017 (240) 446-6294
Trapane@susqu.edu
Overcoming Obstacles: International Women’s Day
Harrisburg, PA- Yesterday, March 8th, marked a holiday that celebrates the social, political, economic,
and cultural achievements of women around the world. This year’s theme was “Be Bold For Change.”
Although International Women’s Day is not affiliated with a specified group, it brings together many
different organizations as the members rally together to raise awareness of women’s
accomplishments and fight for gender equality, Internationalwomensday.com.

In London, IWD was celebrated with free and ticketed events such as walks, talks, workshops, and film
screenings. Award-winning film maker Gurinder Chadha gave an inspiring speech about women in the
work place, Telegraph.uk.co.

In Washington DC and New York, International Women’s Day was celebrated through events that
embodied the idea of “a day without a woman.” Many women band together at Columbus Circle in
New York for a sit-down protest outside of Trump International Hotel, Voanews.com.

President Donald Trump tweeted to show his respect for women by stating his “tremendous respect
for women and the many roles they serve that are vital to the fabric of our society and our economy.”
Although President Trump had good intentions, many people viewed his tweet as meaningless
because of his previous “misogynistic” comments about women, Twitter.com.

The United Nations also released statements about their goals for 2030. Some of these goals include
equal education for all children, equal child development, care, and preliminary education, the
elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the elimination of violence against women and
girls, and the elimination of any harmful practices of children. The statement also included a
declaration from UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, “On International Women’s Day, let us all
pledge to do everything we can do to overcome entrenched prejudice, support engagement and
activism, and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment,” UN.org.

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