International Women's Day celebrated across
United Kingdom

Eritrean women in the United Kingdom (showed their solidarity) on 06 March 2010 celebrated the International Women Day in London, Birmingham and Manchester amid a variety of cultural activities, music poetry and other presentations. "Strengthen the efforts of Food Security, defeat the sanctions" became the resounding message of the moment in all the celebrations conducted.

Eritrean women who played a vital role in the 30 year Liberation Struggle for independence continue to contribute significantly to Eritrea's social, economic and political development.

The celebrations in London, Birmingham and Manchester portray the great admiration and respect all Eritreans have for their gallant mothers and sisters.

The celebrations in London began with a moment of silence in remembrance of those who gave their lives for Eritrea's freedom. Following that, Ms.Tzega Habtom, Chairperson of NUEW-London Branch welcomed everyone and presented the Official NUEW statement on the occasion.

Ms.Frewyni Yared, member of the NUEW-London Branch leadership also congratulated the Eritrean women for all the hard works and outlined the many achievements made and challenges faced by the Eritrean women in the struggle to build a new nation based on equality and progress. She highlighted some of the important tasks outlined in the future plan of the NUEW.

Speaking at the celebration in which invited guests and hunderds of citizens took part, H.E.Tesfamicael Gerahtu, Eritrean Ambassador to United Kingdom & Ireland highlighted the unparalleled contribution and heroism manifested by the Eritrean women in achieving the independence of the country, national development and safeguarding the nation's sovereignty. He also congratulated the NUEW for its decisive role in building a new Eritrea leading based on sender equality.

Ambassador Gerahtu further explained the special importance of this year's International Women's Day as it is being held at a time when Eritrean nationals inside the country and abroad have demonstrated their unity, resolve and determination to foil the US-engineered unjust and illegal UN sanctions resolution. He further commended the Eritrean women's readiness to play exemplary role, taking concerted action through strengthening their organizational basis and capacity in a bid to render the hostilities against Eritrea a further blow.

Poetry by Luam Haile and Ms.Letensae Beyene, with music by famous Eritrean artists Tesfay Mehari (Fihira) Khasai Berhe, Berhe Tesfay (Wedi Jedda) entertained the guests all night. The legend Tesfay Mehari (Fihira) was at the top of his artistic performance, singing his new and old music delighting the crowd every minute.

On the occassion, special Condolence flower were also given, by Ambassador Gerahtu, on behalf of the National Union Eritrean Women to commemorate Mrs.Zahra Atta Ahmed's family who passed away on 22 February 2010.

According to reports dispatched Eritrean women in Birmingham similarly celebrated the day in a colourful manner, Member of NUEW-Europe, Ms. Miriam Yassin, expressed the readiness of members of the Union for the succes of the national resolute rebuff. She also called upon all Eritreans to make enhanced contribution for the finalization of the project launched by Eritrean women in the UK to construct the Mendefera Women's Training Center in Eritrea.

The Biddho Cultural Troupe made up of Tesfalem (Korchach), Tedros (Ururu), Atombos Melekin, Mohammed Ahmed and later joined by Tesfay Mehari (Fihira) for the first time presented an excellent performance and a night that will not be easily forgotten by Eritreans from all ages.

Also at the celebrations held in Manchester, members of the NUEW branch asserted that the Day plays significant role in assessing the achievements and the challenges of the struggle waged by women to ensure their rights and roles in the Eritrean society. On the occasion veteran founders of the NUEWs used this celebration to pass on the torch to Eritrea's new generation of women as a symbol of the need to transfer the basic values as cultural heritage.

Embassy Media (EMWG)
08--3-2010 London UK