International Women's Day 2017: Action Day to Counter Sexist Hate Speech - 8 March 2017

Every year, on 8 March, we celebrate International Women's Day: a day when we recognise women for their achievements independent of their nationality or ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political background.

Date 2017-03-08 Author BIK Team
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Nowadays, with the day being an international event and gaining increased visibility in the agendas of international organisations, policy makers and other stakeholders, the event allows us to reflect on progress made in areas that concern women, to call out for change, and to celebrate women who are involved and make a difference in their countries and communities.

International Women's Day has a different focus every year to reflect the challenges that women around the world face. In 2017, the theme of "Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030" tries to combine greater visibility for the 2030 Agenda and advocacy for the implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals that have a great impact on women's lives, while also showcasing various initiatives that aim to empower women.

This year again, the No Hate Speech Movement is organising a European Action Day to give more visibility to gender equality and to challenge sexism, while at the same time celebrating women around the world and encouraging the spread of positive messages. Likewise, awareness raising and education remain two important tools in ensuring that children, young people and adults alike are reached by positive and insightful campaigns that challenge sexist hate speech and speak about gender equality. The No Hate Speech Movement has prepared six recommended actions for supporters and campaigners that offer a wide array of opportunities to get involved and support the Action Day.

The Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) in Europe supports the actions of the No Hate Speech Movement through the direct involvement of several SICs in the campaign. More information on the campaign coordinators in Council of Europe member states can be found here.

The Action Day can be followed on Facebook or on Twitter (@nohate_speech) using #nohatespeech.

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