The Anonymous Women

Maria Dweggah, WHO

March 8 , the day when the historic achievements of women are highlighted.

March 8 the day to honour the rich heritage of women all over the world who created and are creating a better world for us all.

March 8 a day to celebrate a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.

March 8 , a day to reflect on the work done and the work left to be done.

March 8 , a day to remember the individuals who fought and are still fighting, who died and are still dying for the universal right to vote, for the rights of women to have equal access to education, health and employment.

On this day, let’s not forget the anonymous women, the women who are the pillars of all societies. Let’s pay tribute to the women who work and suffer in silence, the women who struggle to feed their families, the war orphans, the war widows, the victims of violence, the single parent, the nurses, the nurses aides, the volunteers, the caregivers to children and the elderly, the teachers. The women who still work in sweat shops all over the world, in developing countries as well as in very modern industrialized countries. The women in rice fields, the women in factories. Women forced to watch their children die. The women who walk for miles and miles, straight backed and majestic, child at breast, heavy weight on their heads. Women who still have no access to decent health care. Women of endurance and great love. Women who can still manage to smile, laugh, sing and live.