The UN Team in Jordan celebrated, on 10th March 2003,the International Women's Day. The event was jointly organized by the United Nations Country Team and the Chairpersons of the Inter-Agency EFA (Education For All) and Gender Task Forces.
The celebration was held under the patronage of H.E. Mrs. Rowaida Maaitah, Minister of Social Development. The theme of this year's occasion was "Women in Poverty alleviation: some success stories". It offered an opportunity to share a videotape on successful stories of women in poverty alleviation in Jordan. It also was an occasion to launch the UNIFEM's report on "Women, War and Peace" as it gives a comprehensive picture on the status of women in conflict areas.
International Women's Day has always been important to recognize women's achievements, success stories and to address women's concerns in all areas. This year, the Day also gave a chance to promote Peace and Security through Education. Ignorance can be the ultimate enemy of mankind, and as Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, argued: "Today's problems are not a 'clash of civilizations' but are more the result of a 'clash of ignorance'. The ignorance of unity of humanity and of commonly shared values".
This is even more important in a region where the impact of unrest and conflicts have dreadful implications on women and children. As Noeleen Heyzer, UNIFEM Executive Director, states in her message: "International Women's Day 2003 dawns on a world in which there is both a need and cause for hope; but also at a time of widespread fear and insecurity. On the day that commemorates women's rights and struggles, the signposts of progress are undeniable".
Furthermore, the Secretary-General highlighted in his message: "The Millennium Development Goals--including the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women--represent a new way of doing development business" He added "There is no time to loose if we are to reach the Millennium Development Goals by the target date of 2015. Only by investing in the world's women can we expect to get there. When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in life. On this International Women's Day, I call on all of us to act with renewed urgency on that understanding".