The 2016 theme for International Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. The United Nations observance on 8 March will reflect on how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals. It will equally focus on new commitments under UN Women’s Step It Up initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s human rights. The United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March during International Women’s Year 1975.
Presbyterian congregations have an opportunity to lift up issues of women’s rights and the role of women in our communities and the world on Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday 6 March. Resources are available from Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries and Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to help honor women who contribute their gifts to the church and community and explore ways to work for the rights of women.