Commonwealth Day 2011 will be celebrated on 14 March

Commonwealth Day 2011 will be celebrated on 14 March with the theme, Women as Agents of Change.

It celebrates women whose work has made a positive difference to the lives of others. The Commonwealth believes that by investing in women and girls, we can accelerate socio-economic and political progress in our 54 member countries.

The Commonwealth’s first woman Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago, said: “From birth, to their first day in school, having a successful career – and everything in between – women and girls must be given the chance to succeed and become the agents of change we need.”

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma shares the view, saying: “Women and girls hold the key to sustained development and in the improvement of lives. To change a woman’s life for the better is to unlock the potential to change and lift a whole society. The Commonwealth understands the crucial role that women play in their families, communities and in society at large. For nearly 40 years the Commonwealth has run programmes looking at women’s access to health, education, enterprise, leadership, and the impact of conflict on them.

“In the same year that International Women’s Day celebrates its centenary, the Commonwealth will celebrate and highlight those women who are making a difference to the lives of others, as well as highlight the areas that are preventing women and girls from reaching their goals and fulfilling their potential. Together the people, societies and organisations of the Commonwealth can change the fortunes of women for the benefit of all. It is a right, not a gift.”

The Commonwealth Day theme will be celebrated throughout the year around the 54 Commonwealth countries, with special events taking place during the week of Commonwealth Day (14-20 March).

ENDS

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