International Women's Day celebrated on Thai-Burma border

March 8, Independent Mon News for Agency

Women on the border held the International Women's Day in Sangkhlaburi today. Over 60 people joined the celebrations.

A member of the Woman and Child Rights Project (WCRP) Southern-Burma explained the history and significance of the International Women's Day. It was meant to create awareness that women were discriminated against and oppressed. The United Nation had recognized March 8 as the International Women's Day (IWD) to symbolize the struggle of women internationally.

"Let's implement a liberal and fair constitutional system. And try to find out how we can achieve unity among our ethnic women's groups," those who participated said.

"Now a days men and women are on equal terms, so we should not discriminate in terms of position or standard," added a participant.

Equal rights should be based on equality and fairness. Everyone should get equal opportunities in the community, said Nai Yeup from Mon Unity League.

"If we look at the current situation in Burma ( Myanmar ), women are absolutely not involved in movements because their leader is still imprisoned and not allowed to participate in political movements," he added.

The Women's League of Burma (WLB) released a statement urging inclusion of women rights --"Constituting Our Rights" in Myanmar 's Law and Constitution. In the future of Myanmar 's federation, the WLB urged that women be allowed to participate in political movements and given equal rights.

The WLB, Mon Women's Organisation (MWO), WCRP, Mon Youth Progressive Organization (MYPO), Overseas Mon Women Organisation (OMWO), Safe House (Karen Organisation), other Mon Women Organizations from villages worked together and celebrated the International Women's Day.