International Women's Day 2024

The International Women's Day, also known as International Women's Day, takes place every year on March 8.

History and origin 

The idea of ​​an International Women's Day appeared as early as 1910 and began to spread around the world. It was only in 1977 that this day was made official by the United Nations. International Women's Day has its origins in the history of feminist struggles and demonstrations demanding the right to vote and an end to inequalities with men. 

Each year, on the occasion of this day, the United Nations associates a theme linked to the difficulties encountered in matters of gender equality. 

This year the theme is titled #InvestInWomen or “Investing in women: accelerating the pace”!

The situation of women in Cambodia 

Cambodian women represent 52.5% of the population in Cambodia, but are largely underrepresented in all strata of the economy and society.

They are still fighting for their fundamental rights and for gender equality, because Cambodian historical and cultural traditions tend to value women less than men. 

Women's rights in Cambodia 

In recent years in Cambodia, women's rights have seen significant progress, but the country is still far from having eradicated inequalities. Women continue to face wage gaps, lack of access to education, gender-based violence and the fight against stigma and stereotypes.

In Cambodia, March 8 is a public holiday 

March 8 is one of the most important days of the year in Cambodia. The Cambodian people pay tribute to their Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, who is a heroine for all Cambodian women and people. As Queen of Cambodia, she witnessed several chapters of Cambodian history, during which she supported the Cambodian people.

Mekong silks: a committed project for women

Soieries du Mékong, founded in 2001, is committed to creating positive change by allowing women in the rural village of Banteay Chmar to have access to training and enable their empowerment. Training in traditional silk weaving allows them to develop their skills and express their full potential.

For 20 years, the project has focused on improving the conditions of women and combating their exodus in Thailand through job creation. Access to stable employment allows these women to gain autonomy, assert themselves and gain self-confidence.

Since its beginnings, Soieries du Mékong has trained more than a hundred Cambodian women in the art of traditional weaving. 

Today, there are more than 70 women, weavers or employees who, all year round, work in the workshop or at their home.

Beyond training, we are keen to improve the conditions of our weavers on several levels: 

• social security 
• health: via medical checks
• human training: we make them aware of how to manage their daily budget thanks to the support of the a+b=3 association 
  

Women's Rights Day 2024: What to do on March 8? 

What to do on March 8? Here's something to inspire you: exhibition selection which highlight women.

Fashion icon: the MEP pays tribute to model Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn in an exhibition

“The European House of Photography unveils a completely new exhibition, dedicated to the model Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn, to be discovered from February 28 to May 26, 2024.”

Tania Mouraud: a free exhibition of the pioneer of urban art at Fluctuart

“New installation at Fluctuart! This time, the barge dedicated to street art welcomes Tania Mouraud, considered one of the pioneers of urban art, during a personal exhibition entitled "Dans les vents de l'oubli". It can be discovered for free from February 16 to April 28, 2024.”

The retrospective exhibition of fashion designer Iris Van Herpen at the Museum of Decorative Arts

“Iris Van Herpen will be the next fashion designer to be honored by the Museum of Decorative Arts, during a retrospective exhibition from November 29, 2023 to April 28, 2024. Between fashion, technologies and “meta morphism”, the installation promises to be exceptional!”

Exhibition "Exteriors - Annie Ernaux and photography" at the European House of Photography

“The European House of Photography dedicates its new exhibition to the work of Annie Ernaux, Nobel Prize winner for literature in 2022. Here is what awaits you at the MEP from Wednesday February 28 to Sunday May 26, 2024 on the occasion of this new exhibition entitled “Exteriors – Annie Ernaux and photography”.”

Wherever you are, International Women's Rights Day is also an opportunity to support an initiative in favor of women, make a donation to an association or thank the committed women around you.

Since its beginnings in 1910, International Women's Rights Day has been designed to raise awareness and inform everyone of the inequalities and discrimination still experienced by women today. In Cambodia and in many countries, inequalities are still very present. Soieries du Mékong has been working with the women of Banteay Chhmar for 20 years to try to reduce these inequalities. All over the world, activities are organized to mark this day.