Soroptimists Observe Zero Discrimination Day
Discrimination can take many forms. It can be overt or subtle, gender-based or racial, but in all cases, it is a breach of human rights. Sadly, women and girls of the world over experience discrimination in all its forms, whether in the workplace, in accessing education and health care or in facing abuse and violence. The UN Zero Discrimination Day on 1st March is an occasion to remind the world that millions of people face this unfair and even abusive treatment on a daily basis.
Through our work at the United Nations as a non-governmental organisation with general consultative status to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Soroptimist International of Europe gives women and girls a voice in the fight against discrimination and to press for the legal means to prevent it. We raise awareness of these issues and help combat the gender-based prejudices through our representatives with participatory status at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. As a member of the European Women’s Lobby in Brussels, we partner with other women’s organisations to defend women’s rights and lobby the relevant institutions and authorities. Through our strong network of women, Soroptimists can collect evidence of discrimination and act as advocates for women’s rights at local, national, European and international levels.
On behalf of all Soroptimists in our Federation, I therefore declare our support for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which, among its many goals, is resolved to protect human rights and promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Achieving these goals will take us closer to a world without discrimination, and to just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence.