Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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March 8, 2008

Rallies, Celebrations Mark International Women's Day
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1B7B116:A6F02AD83191E160183F3C36C52FEC5DE55ED32ED25AB8F6& Day recognizing all
women around world, intended to inspire them to achieve their full
potential People around the world have observed International Women's
Day with rallies, speeches and public ceremonies to call attention to
women's issues and appeal for change.







Afghan President Karzai, Women's Affairs Minister Ghazanfar, right,
with Afghan women after International Women's Day ceremony, 08 Mar
2008At a ceremony in Afghanistan Saturday, President Hamid Karzai told
a crowd of hundreds of women that they should be free to pursue their
education. He called on men and religious leaders to stop forcing
young girls into marriage - especially to men several decades older -
and to allow them an education.

In the Philippines, hundreds of female protesters marked the day with
a rally to demand the resignation of President Gloria Arroyo over a
corruption scandal. The women marched to the presidential palace in
the capital, Manila Saturday, chanting anti-Arroyo slogans and burning
an effigy of Ms. Arroyo.

Women also celebrated the day with ceremonies in Russia and Iraq.

Celebrated on March 8, International Women's Day is the global day
recognizing all women around the world and intended to inspire them to
achieve their full potential. In many countries it is an official
holiday.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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