The United Nations (UN) declared 8 March the International Women's Day in 1975. Since then, UN has been marking this day with a special theme. So, this year’s global initiative and action “Planet 50-50 by 2030”, under the auspices of the UN, calls for joining the efforts of world leaders and decision-makers to do everything to improve the status of women by 2030 through the implementation of objectives that include achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls around the world, and provision of an inclusive and quality education for all and promotion of lifelong learning. 

Achieving these goals requires the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, ending any form of violence against women and girls (including human trafficking, sexual and any other exploitation of women and girls), as well as the elimination of many other unacceptable practices such as child, early and forced marriages and female genital mutilation.

However, what is more important to emphasize, achieving these goals requires initiatives that go beyond the traditional 8 March discourse and which involve action both in the public and the private sphere.

During 2016, Praxis contributes to the achievement of these objectives through the implementation of a number of activities aimed at the prevention and elimination of child, early and forced marriages, and protection of children and women refugees, bearing in mind that their specific situation requires a significant number of gender-sensitive services and protection mechanisms.

In reference to the struggle for personal and human rights of women throughout history, and with an intention that 8 March spirit remains recognizable for the fighting spirit and fearlessness of women, we represent to you the story of incredible Nawal Soufi.

Read the story: Meet the One-Woman Syrian Rescue Mission