IWD 2012- Women's Day in Albania

Women's day in Albania is also called mothers day, so changed from the time of the communist regime. Regularly on this day women go wild, receive gifts and everything is allowed to them. Just for this one day!

However, this day seems to exist to device them, like giving a candy to a child who is exploited all the time. At the and of 8 March, the women go back in the shadows- where husbands are not grateful, are paid less and their work is not recognized as equal to the work of an Albanian man.

The Mother's Day/International Women Day suits to the men as well. Over 365 days of the year is fine to let their women (being: mother, friend, daughter, fiance, wife, sister, grandmother) to go wild, because the rest of the time they are in control.

There are some intellectual women, who do not go along with the pack, and prefer to make even more expensive trips, possibly paid by their high standard jobs. The do not consider themselves as part of the flock, cause they are better (probably cause their IWD celebration is more expensive than average)!

I mean not to exploit a very beautiful day of celebration, where women get together, are being spoiled and they have a great time. But my questions is WHY? What are we celebrating for, if the other 364 days of the year are gloomy, where women's rights are not being respected. I say it's OK to celebrate after we had another victory- 30 % quota of women participation in decision making- 30% women in the Albanian Parliament.

The Children's Human Rights Center, through its program of Democratization- Women and Youth participation in decision making, is organizing a peaceful protest in front of the parliament for this day. We are calling to all civil society actors and organizations, especially women organizations and to all citizens to join in this peaceful initiative. If we do not voice our requests, our rights will always remain in the shadows.