International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.
The 34th commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will focus on the theme of "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide".
This year's event will bring together experts to discuss policies, legislation, and practices that strengthen care and support systems for older persons. It will highlight the urgent need to expand training and educational opportunities in geriatrics and gerontology, address the global shortage of care workers, and recognize the diverse contributions of caregivers. The commemoration will also emphasize the importance of protecting the human rights of both caregivers and care recipients, promoting person-centered approaches to care that respect the dignity, beliefs, needs, and privacy of older persons, and for the right to make decisions about their care and quality of their lives.
source: International Day of Older Persons | United Nations
The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day.
The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.
UN-Habitat invites everyone interested in sustainable urban development to join the Global Observance of World Habitat Day, under the theme "Engaging youth to create a better urban future."
Source: World Habitat Day 2024 | South African Government (www.gov.za); World Habitat Day 2024 | UN-Habitat (unhabitat.org)
Observed annually on 11 October, International Day of the Girl is a key global moment on which to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership. It is a day that belongs to everyone who cares about girls and their rights. For on this day, we come together to recognize and advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights.
Source: Girls’ Vision for the Future | UNICEF
The theme for the International Day of Rural Women (15 October), “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All”, highlights the essential role that rural women and girls play in the food systems of the world.
From production of crops to processing, preparing and distributing foods, women’s labour – paid and unpaid – feeds their families, communities and the world. Yet, they do not wield equal power with men, and as a result, they earn less income and experience higher food insecurity. UN Women’s latest report, Beyond COVID-19: A feminist plan for sustainability and social justice, calls for rebuilding the broken global food system from the bottom-up by supporting rural women’s livelihoods to produce and distribute diverse and healthy food crops.
Source: International Day of Rural Women | UN Women – Headquarters
Month Themes
National Marine Month creates awareness of South Africa's marine and coastal environments and the benefits that our oceans bring to our nation.
South Africa is nestled between two currents:
- the warm Agulhas Current with rich ocean biodiversity, but not a large fish stocks
- the cold Benguela system that supports large fisheries such as those focused on the small pelagic (anchovy and sardine) and the demersal (hake) stocks.
These currents, in addition to the cold southern oceans, are key drivers of South Africa climate and rainfall conditions.
The month-long celebrations of National Marine Month include various programmes of events in different parts of the country including the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Southern Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Source: Marine Month 2024 | South African Government (www.gov.za)
Social Development Month (SDM) is celebrated annually to mark our nation’s commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in society.
The theme for 2024 is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth: Towards Reigniting the role of the family.”
October will also commemorate Older Persons Week. Older Persons Week is used to recognise the contributions of older persons and to address issues that specifically affect them. Active Aging Week on the other hand highlights the capabilities of older persons as fully participating members of society and encourages them to participate in simple exercises
The campaign, held in conjunction with the National Development Agency (NDA) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), also aims to inform communities of the various social security programmes available to them and how these can be accessed.
Source: Social Development Month 2024 | South African Government (www.gov.za)
October is Transport Month. During this month Department of Transport and its entities will showcase transport infrastructure services in aviation; maritime; public transport and roads. This month will also be used to further advance the country’s road safety initiatives, while also creating awareness of the economic benefits of the sector.
Source: Transport Month 2024 | South African Government (www.gov.za)
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