by Esperance Kayombo

Deaconness Esperance Kayombo is assigned to Global Ministries Communications. Image by: Felipe Castillo Source: GBGM Administration

Women's History Month is celebrated every year in March, though around the world, related events often begin in late February. During the celebration, women gather together to strategize action plans that both remember and focus upon the struggles of women everywhere.

The celebration brings together those who are usually divided by national boundaries and ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political differences. The celebrants look back on a continually growing tradition that represents over nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace, and development. During this month, they reflect on the progress that has been made, they continue to call for progressive change, and honor acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women's rights.

In 2000, five years after the United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing, women decided to focus most on Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the 21st Century. 

Now ten years after Beijing, 2005 became widely known as “Beijing +10.” During that year, women reviewed their goals, and decided that Athe advancement of women, and the achievement of equality between women and men, is an issue of human rights and a condition for social justice. It should not be viewed in isolation as a women’s issue.

United Methodist Women has been actively participating in the continued struggle for the rights of women and children. By doing so, they have been carrying and passing on this legacy to younger generations for a long time, even before the establishment of Women's History Month.

This legacy has become part of a worldwide tradition that encourages and supports women to advocate for themselves and their families as well as children and youth everywhere. Through their work in their organized units, their studies in the Schools of Christian Missions, and their mission visitations, members of United Methodist Women participate fully in raising awareness of these concerns. Through education and direct action, a level of empowerment has been reached that leads to both personal self-expression and community transformation.

One dynamic example of such action has been the Women's Division establishment of the Church Center at the United Nations (CCUN) in 1962 as a means of promoting women's activities among individuals of different beliefs and social background during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

In light of the many issues that women are facing around the world, women's advocacy continues to be extended throughout the world to reach out to women, children, and youth everywhere.          
               
Esperance Kayumbo is a deaconess of General Ministries assigned to Communications.

	See Also... Topic: Education |  GBGM programs |  Human rights |  United Methodist Church |  Women |  Geographic Region: United States |  Source: GBGM Mission News
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Date posted: Mar 13, 2007