March 8 is the annual day globally recognised as International Women’s Day. This observance has been retained in the international calendar since 1911 and is recognised by women as an important marker in our lives, regardless of our global region, country, occupation or family position.

By continuing to commemorate this international day we recognise the value and contribution of every woman in the world.

The 2022 International Women’s Day theme is: Changing Climates: Equality today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.

This wording is carefully phrased and manages to encapsulate current major concerns in the lives of every woman wherever she lives:

• Changing speaks of the turmoil the global population has endured in the past three years from the beginning of the Covid pandemic. Changing is also descriptive of geographical conditions and this week, of sudden worldwide political upheavals.
• Climates, plural, seems to encompass a range of issues: beyond the frighteningly altered global weather patterns, the word suggests attitudinal changes in many areas of our lives.
• The terms Equality and Sustainable have become part of the language we use when referencing women’s rights and attempts to upgrade and retain improvements in environmental, economic and social areas.

Collectively these words of the 2022 theme create a hope for an upgraded future for all women and girls globally.

International Council of Jewish Women retains its special place in the world with 35 organisations spread around the globe. ICJW manages to work at both the global and the local levels, a truly representative organisation for women internationally. ICJW accredited representatives attend meetings at global bodies such as the United Nations while numerous ICJW affiliate organisations work in their communities to upgrade the lives of women and girls.

Wishing you, your organisation and members a special International Women’s Day.

Robyn Lenn OAM
Chair, ICJW Status of Women Committee.