08 March 2011

Bonn, Germany: Today marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. This year’s centenary celebration also coincides with the establishment of UN WOMEN organization. UNV wants to join this celebration and congratulate the UN WOMEN as it marks the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers in 2011 when it recognizes women’s contribution to global peace and development agenda through volunteering.

It is women who often take a lead in changing conditions around them through voluntary service and civic engagement. As volunteers, women play a crucial part in the well-being of all in the community. As volunteers, women learn essential skills and gain valuable experience, contributing to their employability and building their self-esteem as equal citizens.

UNV joins partners from across civil society and the United Nations to promote and recognize the value of volunteering and to empower even more people to volunteer for peace and development. This year UNV will publish the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report which will highlight the role of volunteering and measure how women in particular are empowered to make a difference.