International Focus Magazine Vol. 3, #4 | Page 55

Photo Credit: Vicky Pink, limited use for iF Magazine Only analyze where we are today but then further be commit- ted to where we need to be and will be tomorrow if we all band together... I encourage you to really use this as a platform or opportunity with the organizations, because there are so many of you all that have collaborated for this event to really get organized and really put forth a con- certed effort where we are united and seeking to progress as the things suggests so again i want to thank you all for collaborating and now I want to read to you the procla- mation on behalf of the city.” programs created to address such challenges. They are dy- namic and strong champions for women and girls providing them with a powerful voice at the global regional and local levels. The United Nations Association of the United States of America is a program of the United Nations Foundation and a non-profit of people from 50 states dedicated to in- forming, inspiring and mobilizing America’s support of the United Nations. It consists of a national network of chap- ters, youth engagement activities, advocacy efforts, education programs and public events. The UNA Houston chapter is one of the oldest and largest in the nation and that is only fitting because we’re also one of the most diverse if not the most diverse city in this nation and was established by Elea- nor Roosevelt in 1958. This chapter works diligently to sup- port the United Nations programs and missions and is now focused on promoting UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals such as women’s empowerment, education, poverty reduction and health care. On March 7, 2018, International Women’s Day will be celebrated around the world. It is a day to recognize women for their achievements without regard to divisions whether national, ethnic, linguistics, cul- tural, economic or political. The City of Houston joins in celebrating women around the world as they continue to positively impact society, break barriers and empower each other and extends best wishes on this memorial occasion. Therefore, I, Amanda Edwards, on behalf of Mayor Syl- vester Turner, hereby proclaim today, International Womens Day. Congratulations! In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day as an occasion for looking back at past struggles and accom- plishments but more importantly looking ahead to the un- tapped potential and opportunities that await future genera- tions of women. Over many decades, the United Nations has made significant progress in advancing gender equality including landmark agreements such as the Beijing Decla- ration and Platform for Action and the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms Against the Discrimination of Women. Gender equality is not only a basic human right, I’m going to repeat that, it’s not repeated here but I’m going to repeat it, gender equality is not only a basic human right but it’s achievement has enormous social economic ramifica- tions. Women lack of access to decent work and face occupa- tion segregation and gender wage gaps. Women in all parts of the world suffer from violence, they are also underrepre- sented in political and economic decision-making processes. UN women and United Nations Assocation of women are The office of Texas State Representative Senfronia iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net 55