The theme of the International Women’s Day 2009, celebrated on 8 March, will be “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls”. Violence against women and girls is an obstacle to the achievement of the objectives of equality, development and peace and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women of their rights and fundamental freedoms.

In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women's Day, the General Assembly wanted to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women. At the same time, the world body acknowledged the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.

For the women of the world, the day's symbolism has a wider meaning. It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.

For more information: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd/

World Water Day

22 March

World Water Day 2009 will be celebrated on 22 March. This year’s theme will be "Shared Water - Shared Opportunities". Special focus will be placed on transboundary waters. Nurturing the opportunities for cooperation in transboundary water management can help build mutual respect, understanding and trust among countries and promote peace, security and sustainable economic growth. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) leads the activities of the World Water Day 2009 with the support of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The General Assembly declared 22 March as World Day for Water in 1992 to promote awareness of the extent to which water resource development contributes to economic productivity and social well-being.

For more information: http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/