webmaster
© Copyright DEHAI-Eritrea OnLine, 1993-2011
All rights reserved
From: NA-YPFDJ Media (ypfdjmedia@gmail.com)
Date: Tue Mar 08 2011 - 10:48:07 EST
*
*
Each year around the world, International Women's Day is a celebrated on
March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March
to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Organizations, governments and women's groups around the world choose
different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.
NUEW's theme this year is attached below:
[image: THEME.png]
Excerpt from MeriH Issue II:
When we look back into history, most Eritreans are still in awe by the
extraordinary will and courage of the freedom fighters, but what makes
Eritrean history even more unique than that of other countries is the large
role women played in in the struggle. During the thirty year long war to
liberate Eritrea, the women's' ambitions were to fight alongside their
brothers and husbands for their Independence. However, along that struggle,
they also began to alter and change the oppression faced by women in
traditional society. Throughout the world, the role of women in society and
politics is often downplayed. This however is not the case in Eritrea. The
sacrifices women made were of a noble calling, and with their actions they
were able to recreate their roles in society. For these women, their aim was
freedom for their country and to liberate their people of its oppressors;
yet in that same breath they also liberated themselves from the shackles
that have oppressed women in societies throughout the world. It was in this
climate that the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) was born.
NUEW's powerful spirit did not end with the war. After Eritrea gained its
independence, women's rights were incorporated in the National Charter.
Through NUEW, Eritrean women redisplayed their strength for the
new generation with efforts that ensured women remained active in all
aspects of social, economic, and political affairs. Unlike countries such as
the United States, women did not return to their roles at home after
the war, instead they rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside the men
to rebuild Eritrea. They worked in schools, offices, land development and
more to rebuild their homeland that they had all fought so hard to defend.
Today, women work in all types of fields throughout the country, including
politics, business, education, and manufacturing.
The essence of the tegdalit continues on brilliantly through NUEW as the
organization focuses on gender equality, development of women through
education, health and childcare, and income generating programs. As a
result, the lives of Eritrean women differ vastly from that of most in the
world today. Eritrean women hold high positions in government and business,
enjoy the same level of access to education as men, and continue to
contribute to the development of Eritrea. This year we celebrate the thirty
years that have passed since its inception, and commend NUEW for the many
advancements it has made in improving the lives of women. The new
generations of Eritrean women can attribute the endless amount of
opportunity created for women today to NUEW. As they continue to work
towards achieving full gender equality, we look on with pride and hope. They
are a testament to the strength of women and an inspiration not only to
Eritreans, but to women across the world.
Happy International Women's Day from Merih Newsletter!
*
NUEW Mission Statement:
The National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) seeks to ensure that all
Eritrean women confidently stand for their rights and equally participate in
the political, economic, social, and cultural spheres of the country and
share the benefits.
For more information on NUEW, make sure to visit their site at www.nuew.org
*
- MeriH Newsletter