Report by Paula Antolini, March 7, 2019, 8:38AM EDT
International Women’s Day is on Friday, March 8, 2019. The theme this year, “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change,” puts innovation by women and girls, for women and girls, at the heart of efforts to achieve gender equality.
“Achieving a gender-equal world requires social innovations that work for both women and men and leave no one behind. From urban planning that focuses on community safety to e-learning platforms that take classrooms to women and girls, affordable and quality childcare centres, and technology shaped by women, innovation can take the race for gender equality to its finishing line by 2030.
“It begins with making sure that women’s and girls’ needs and experiences are integrated at the very inception of technology and innovations. It means building smart solutions that go beyond acknowledging the gender gaps to addressing the needs of men and women equally. And ultimately, it needs innovations that disrupt business as usual, paying attention to how and by whom technology is used and accessed, and ensuring that women and girls play a decisive role in emerging industries.
“Join us to celebrate women and girls, their limitless imagination, their joyous dreams and their boundless strength.”
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Statement for International Women’s Day by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women (March 6, 2019):
“At a time when innovation is dominant, shaping and changing the way people live in every part of the world, we have to be intentional about its use to positively impact the lives of women and girls. That means making sure they are not only consumers of innovation, but take their place as innovators. With their engagement, both design and execution of solutions can address the unique needs of women and girls, from the creation of decent work to delivery of products, services and infrastructure for women in all walks of life. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change” puts innovation at the centre of efforts to reflect the needs and viewpoints of women and girls and to resolve barriers to public services and opportunities.”
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FUN FACT: There are 14 streets in Bethel CT with female names …
Aunt Pattys Lane E, Aunt Pattys Lane W, Cindy Lane, Grace Court, Gretchen Lane, Jennifers Way, Judy Drive, Katrina Circle, Kristy Drive, Laura Lane, Shelley Road, Terry Drive, Vera Drive, Whitney Road,
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