The text of the WPO’s message reads:

“International Women’s Day celebration will take place around the world as women individually and collectively will use the occasion to evaluate their achievements. While it may be considered by many as yet another day, women activists the world over are grateful to the women who had the vision to pursue their lofty goal of having won the dedication of this very special day. While only a few countries had given recognition to this event, many others soon followed, and after more than 93 years we can all attest to the fact that this day is here to stay, and women everywhere must ensure that it will be around for a long time to come.

“Women have proven time and time again that they are not afraid to take up the banner of struggle. We recall the women in Europe who came together after the Second World War to form the Women’s International Democratic Federation including women’s organisations in the developing world, to ensure that the world should not have to suffer another world war. The women in more than 120 countries took a solemn pledge to work for peace. Our world has had relative stability for nearly six decades and we the women must ensure that it remains so.

“The Women’s Progressive Organisation is extremely honoured that 50 years ago it stood on the platform in Copenhagen, Denmark in the person of the President of the organisation, Former President of Guyana, Mrs. Janet Jagan, and called for world peace and independence for countries such as ours that were struggling for freedom and the right to self-determination. Today, after half of a century, most countries have won their political independence, but the world is still threatened by war. We say boldly and clearly “No to war on Iraq”.

“In our own country, our nation is experiencing serious difficulties created by an organised campaign of crime and destabilisation. The WPO wishes to use this occasion to call on those guilty of dividing our people to stop their dangerous games. We call on the hate-mongers to stop preaching racism. We call on fathers to take their responsibilities more seriously, and we call on women to set positive examples in their homes. In general we believe that love, understanding and hard work should be our guiding principles.

“We have seen significant progress in our country in the last decade. As we celebrate our achievements, let us recognise the need to protect our gains. Let us comfort those in our midst who have lost their loved ones; mothers who have lost their children; wives who have lost their husbands and children who have lost their parents. Let us vow to prevent further pain and suffering among our people.