Women's Day - March 8

World Alliance of Reformed Churches
News Release
7 March 2008


Women challenged to create a better world in WARC’s
International Women’s Day message

Women are being challenged to bring about a world of justice and
human rights in the International Women’s Day 2008 message of
the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) released in Geneva
today.

“On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2008, women
are called upon to rise to this great challenge of bringing about
a better world of justice, human rights, with freedom from
hunger, peace and human security at its core,” said Patricia
Sheerattan-Bisnauth, executive secretary of WARC’s Office for
Church Renewal, Justice and Partnership.

March 8 is celebrated around the world as International
Women’s Day, providing an opportunity to recognize the
contribution of women to society. It is also a time to assess the
status of women and reflect on their engagement in the issues
affecting the lives of their communities

“Men and women are encouraged on this International Women’s
Day 2008 to celebrate the fruits of their labour and the courage
of those who have struggled relentlessly for gender justice and
for partnership between women and men,” Sheerattan-Bisnauth
added.

International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 1900s.
Women have come a long way since those pioneering days when they
were mobilized in the context of rapid industrialization and
economic expansion that created grave disparities between rich
and poor, food shortages and a social crisis for families.

Courageous women dared to break societal constructs of gender
and therefore defined new parameters for women. Women saw their
roles as being important in bringing about change in the world.
“Women who paved the way have given the world much to
celebrate,” said Sheerattan-Bisnauth of Guyana.

“Today’s women continue to build on this legacy, offering
alternatives for a better world. Their experience, knowledge and
survival strategies need to be recognized, valued and celebrated
as a remarkable resistance to the forces of the global economic
system.

“Women have been crying out for an end to violence and
conflicts, calling for urgency in addressing brokenness in
communities and urging transformation based on peace with
justice, where respect, dignity and collective accountability
become the basis for living.”

The women’s movement has been a source of strength in
broadening the agenda of women in ecumenical circles to include
the struggle against slavery and racism.

Still there is a need for a revival of women’s activism and
engagement with civil society and social movements. “Women need
to dialogue with their sisters across borders of race, ethnicity,
class, caste, nationality and religion,” Sheerattan-Bisnauth
said.

The Alliance has been working with churches and other partners
to provide a platform for dialogue between women and men, drawing
attention to gender justice. Through WARC’s scholarships for
women in the South, its education, advocacy and accompaniment
programmes, women have made significant progress in claiming
their rightful place in church and society.

“Women are making a difference in the life and mission of the
Alliance, bringing critical perspectives to key life issues and
shifting the emphasis of the communion so that it has a more
inclusive approach and worldview,” Sheerattan-Bisnauth
concluded.