United Nations marks International Women's Day on 8 March

Focus on human security and the situation of Afghan women

BANGKOK (United Nations Information Services) -- The United Nations will celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March 2002 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok under the theme "Women and Human Security: In Support of Afghan Women."

The different gender dimensions of human security will be addressed, giving a special attention to the plight of Afghan women.

Participants include Ms. Keiko Okaido, Deputy Executive Secretary, ESCAP, Mr. J.K. Robert England, United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Lorraine Corner, Regional Economic Advisor, UNIFEM Asia- Pacific & Arab States, and Mr. Sheldon Shaeffer, Director, UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education. Ms. Monaqui Porter will read from "Hope...a One Woman Play."

The celebration will also include an art exhibition of leading Thai and Vietnamese women artists provided by the Thavibu Gallery. Artists include Sermsuk Thiensoonthorn, Nitaya Ueareewarakul, Jintana Piamsiri, Jarrasri Roopkamdee, Cong Kim Hoa, and Van Duong Thanh. The exhibition will run from 8-14 March 2002 and proceeds from the sale of paintings will go towards support for Afghan women.

In addition there will be an exhibition by United Nations agencies and invited NGOs, and a handicraft fair with products from women's groups and women artists. The handicraft fair and exhibition will take place in the United Nations Conference Centre from 8-14 March 2002.

The 2002 observance of International Women's Day is being organized by the Gender, Women and Development Working Group under the United Nations Resident Coordinator System of Thailand, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Note to Editors
You or your representatives are invited to attend the official ceremonies marking International Women's Day on Friday, 8 March 2002, at the United Nations Conference Centre, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok. The opening session will take place from 9:00-10:15 am, immediately followed by the opening of the art exhibition by Ms. Keiko Okaido. Refreshments will be served.

For further information please contact:
Ms. Margaret Hanley, Information Officer
United Nations Information Services
Tel: 02-288-1234; Fax: 02-288-1052
E-mail: unisbkk.unescap@un.org

******