International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th across the world each year. It’s a day that celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future.

It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that continue to face women every day.

UN Women Australia celebrates International Women’s Day with events held across Australia. It is also on our agenda at WOMAN.com.au with a full list of events on The Agenda. Or visit www.unwomen.org.au.

This International Women’s Day, UN Women Australia is focusing its fundraising efforts on supporting the Critical Services Initiative which is working to end violence against women  in Papua New Guinea.

Access to critical services is key to addressing violence against women. Women experiencing violence need an immediate response to prevent recurrence and mitigate the consequences. Although countries across the world have been adopting laws and programs in recent years to respond to violence against women, the implementation of critical services is making slow and uneven progress. As a consequence, many women and girls experiencing violence lack access to the most basic services for their safety and protection.

Specific challenges to accessing services include:

• absence of services, particularly in remote and rural areas
• discriminatory attitudes of those responding to violence (police, medical/legal professionals)
• financial constraints
• lack of interpreter services
• distance and lack of transportation for remote and rural women

Immediate, free and universal access to quality, critical services is essential to support women through a time of crisis, empowering women to move forward with their lives and live a life free from the fear of violence.

This International Women’s Day show your support by attending one of UN Women Australia’s International Women’s Day events or by making a donation. Together we can improve the lives of women worldwide. Visit www.unwomen.org.au for more information.

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