International Women's Day 2015
International Women's Day (March 8th) is officially recognized and celebrated in Mongolia. The purpose of this day is to celebrate and appreciate women's social, economic, and political achievements. Global issues such as gender equality are also addressed. The holiday is a blend of Mother's Day and Valentines Day, with women receiving various types of gifts such as flower arrangements, candy and greeting cards. While the United States acknowledges International Women's Day, it isn't typically celebrated.
In honor of Women's Day my male counterparts at the Govi-Altai Children and Families Development Department hosted a small dinner party for all of the women at the department. It was a great time, filled with good food and laughs. We received gifts, and were serenaded with songs. Women's day is one of my favorite holidays in Mongolia, and I hope to encourage my fellowAmericans to celebrate it when I move back to the states.
Here are a few pictures from the day. Enjoy!
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| Women's Day Greeting |
New Peace Corps Global Initiative: Let Girls Learn
In recognition of International Women's day Peace Corps has collaborated with first lady Michelle Obama in a new global initiative that is geared towards combating gender inequality and girls education. Below is a letter from Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet and video from First lady Michelle Obama.
A message from Carrie Hessler-Radelet:
Today, I am delighted to share that as part of the U.S. government's commitment to girls’ education, First Lady Michelle Obama and the Peace Corps have formed a powerful collaboration called Let Girls Learn to expand access to education for girls around the world. I invite you to watch a special message from the First Lady to all Peace Corps Volunteers worldwide.
While we know that educating girls is essential to healthy and thriving communities, globally, 62 million girls are not in school, and barriers to adolescent girls completing school are particularly significant. In some countries, fewer than 10 percent of teenage girls complete secondary school.
The Peace Corps’ collaboration with the First Lady will start this year in 11 targeted countries: Albania, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Georgia, Ghana, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Togo, and Uganda.
Under Let Girls Learn, we will be training Volunteers and counterparts to become local champions of girls’ education, working hand in hand with communities on projects through a new Let Girls Learn Fund, and increasing the number of Volunteers working to break down barriers to girls’ education in the communities they serve.
I hope you will take a moment to visit our new website, letgirlslearn.peacecorps.gov, to learn more, and to view the First Lady’s video message. Finally, as we celebrate Peace Corps Week, as well as International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, I would like to thank all the Volunteers and staff who carry out the Peace Corps mission. Day in and day out, you demonstrate your passion for sharing world peace and friendship, making a difference in the lives of women and men around the world. I am grateful and inspired to be working with and for you.
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