House Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that 8 March every year is celebrated worldwide as International Women's Day; 2) (2) further notes that this year's theme is "Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture it!", which envisages a world where each woman and girl can exercise choices, such as whether to participate in politics, receive an education, have an income, and live in a society free from violence and discrimination;
(3) understands that this day is dedicated to societies' reflecting on the progress that has been made since the signing of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action by 189 governments 20 years ago;
(4) further understands that this day calls for the celebration of acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities;
(5) acknowledges that in 2015 International Women's Day will also highlight the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which is an historic roadmap that has set the agenda for realising women's rights;
(6) further acknowledges that while there have been many achievements since then, many serious gaps still remain; and
(7) calls on government, women's formations, political organisations, civil society and religious formations to organise events to celebrate and uphold women's achievements, recognise their challenges, and focus greater attention on women's rights and gender equality, as well as mobilise all people to do more to fight against abuse of women and children.
Agreed to.