Women mark special day

TODAY is International Women's Day.
Several activities, including a Pretty Pink Peace Award and a Reclaim the Night march, have been organised.
International Women's Day celebrates the achievements of women and promotes their freedom and social and economic equality. This year's theme is Women in Decision-Making: Meeting Challenges, Creating Change.
The Pretty Pink Peace Awards, which is organised by Women's Action for Change, will pay tribute to 30 diverse women and men who are identified as notable peace builders in Fiji. Organiser Noelene Nabulivou said the first award was given to the Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi last week at the poetry contest organised by the group.
The remaining awards would be distributed throughout the day to those who work in areas such as violence against women and building peace in the country. The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre has organised its annual Reclaim the Night March, which will begin at 7pm from the Suva Flea Market.
Other programs include FemLINKPACIFIC's special broadcast on their community radio station and the Fiji Women's Rights Movement exhibition of photographs taken by young women who explored the theme through their own eyes.
The Women's Ministry and the International Labour Organisation have organised panel discussions on the theme at various locations.
FWCC co-ordinator Shamima Ali said there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of violence against women.
'While, this could be an indication that victims are confident about reporting, we are also aware that the degrees of physical violence associated with these crimes have also increased and the feeling of safety for women is actually declining', Ms Ali said. "