ID :
167315
Fri, 03/11/2011 - 06:24
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/167315
The shortlink copeid
Children encouraged to draw “gender equality” pictures for EU prizes
VIENTIANE,MAR 10.(KPL)- The European Union Delegation to Laos on Wednesday launched a drawing contest on gender equality for Lao students aged between 8 and 10 years, with a theme “Once upon a time, there was a girl and a boy; together they wanted to make the world a better place.” The objective of the competition is to celebrate the International Women’s Day in 2011 and the Europe Day. This international drawing competition has been organised by the European Commission since 2007 with great success.
“The International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March every year. This is a special year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of International’s Women Day,” said Charge d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Laos Henrry Prankerd.
“For the past century, this important occasion has marked the economic, social, political and cultural achievements of women around the world. This day finds its origin in the protests of women at the beginning of the 20th century, in Europe and in the United States, calling for better working conditions and rights to vote. It was officialised by the United Nations in 1977, calling on each country on the planet to celebrate this day for women’s rights,” said Mr. Henrry.
He said that the equality of women and men is now incorporated into all the policies of the European Union. This is the reason why the European Union supported activities aiming to promote gender equality, especially in the attitude and behaviour of young girls and boys.
International Women’s Day also reminds us that many women around the world continue to face inequality. They earn less and own less than men and they are still underrepresented politically. Every day, thousands of women and girls are victims of gender-based violence, including sexual abuse, trafficking and early and forced marriage.
Last year, 49,000 children from 61 countries in seven different regions of the world took part in the competition and a total of 14 participants were awarded, including the first prize won by Cambodian child. For Laos, 616 participated in the contest in 2010. Ten best drawings among all participants will be selected from Laos, awarded at the Europe Day’s reception and then sent to final round in Brussels. Two prizes of an equivalent of EUR 1,000 each will be given to two winners from the Asia region.
“The International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March every year. This is a special year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of International’s Women Day,” said Charge d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Laos Henrry Prankerd.
“For the past century, this important occasion has marked the economic, social, political and cultural achievements of women around the world. This day finds its origin in the protests of women at the beginning of the 20th century, in Europe and in the United States, calling for better working conditions and rights to vote. It was officialised by the United Nations in 1977, calling on each country on the planet to celebrate this day for women’s rights,” said Mr. Henrry.
He said that the equality of women and men is now incorporated into all the policies of the European Union. This is the reason why the European Union supported activities aiming to promote gender equality, especially in the attitude and behaviour of young girls and boys.
International Women’s Day also reminds us that many women around the world continue to face inequality. They earn less and own less than men and they are still underrepresented politically. Every day, thousands of women and girls are victims of gender-based violence, including sexual abuse, trafficking and early and forced marriage.
Last year, 49,000 children from 61 countries in seven different regions of the world took part in the competition and a total of 14 participants were awarded, including the first prize won by Cambodian child. For Laos, 616 participated in the contest in 2010. Ten best drawings among all participants will be selected from Laos, awarded at the Europe Day’s reception and then sent to final round in Brussels. Two prizes of an equivalent of EUR 1,000 each will be given to two winners from the Asia region.
