The University of Tetova organized at the Amphitheater of Rectorate, marked the 8th of March – International Women’s Day. The celebration of this international day was attended by the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, heads of academic units, study programs and administration employees. In this event, it was emphasized that March 8, every year, brings us together to share the joy of this celebration, as well as expressing sincere gratitude to the female gender for their contributions and achievements in the various spheres of life.
Prof. Dr. Fatmire Lumani, lecturer at the Faculty of Law, in her speech before the audience said that this day obliges us to say at least some words about the 8th of March, International Women’s Day, which is the main cause we are calling on this day and we celebrate, but at the same time we commemorate the achievements of Albanian women.
“March 8, the International Women’s Day relates to many activities, strikes and protests organized by textile industry and other industry workers. Their main purpose was recognition of their rights through legal acts: justice, non-discrimination, equality with men in all spheres of life, politics, social and economic life, and rights for people and citizens. The idea of marking this special day dedicated to women dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century. The first women’s day was celebrated on February 28, 1909 in America at the initiative of the Socialist Party of America. In 1910, the first International Women’s Conference was held in Copenhagen, where at the proposal of German activist Clara Zetkin was decided to celebrate the International Women’s Day without setting the exact date. A year later, on March 19, 1911, this holiday was celebrated for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Whereas on March 8, 1913, women side by side in Europe held peaceful gatherings. Whereas in Russia, after the October Revolution, March 8 was first proclaimed as a state holiday. In 1975, March 8, the International Women’s Day, was officially recognized by the United Nations”, said Prof. Dr. Fatmire Lumani.
Referring to the importance that our country gives to this holiday, she noted that “Today, March 8 is a state holiday in several countries of the world. The Republic of North Macedonia does not recognize it as a state holiday and is one of the countries where the International Women’s Day is celebrated, although this celebration has only symbolic status and no political purpose. Women’s struggle for their rights in the world was long and difficult. Similarly, the struggle of Albanian women was similar. The position of Albanian men was also difficult. But today we will not talk about the compassionate side, the sacrifices and struggles of the Albanian woman or her nation. We would need days for it. Today we celebrate, so we will talk about achievements of Albanian women, thanks to her education, by which we changed our status and pride ourselves on it. Education enhanced the rights of Albanian women, in society, in families … etc., among other things, was one of the main barriers”. At the conclusion of her speech, Prof. Dr. Fatmire Lumani highlighted the achievements of Albanian women in the Republic of North Macedonia, and the extraordinary role of the University of Tetova in their education.
This event was concluded by sharing flowers for the University staff and the artistic program prepared by the professors of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Dr. Bajramali Idrizi, MSc. Shkelzen Baftjari and Shkelzen Pajaziti.