Monaco celebrates International Women’s Day

©Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

The celebrations of 8 March, organised at the initiative of the Women’s Rights Committee, featured several highlights.

At the invitation of the Minister of State, a lunch led by H.S.H. Princess Charlene was held at his Residence.

During the lunch, on the theme of “women in sport”, H.E. Pierre Dartout highlighted the fact that in the Principality, protecting women’s rights has been a key priority for the Prince’s Government for many years.

He also paid tribute to the women around the world fighting for their rights and to have their voices heard, referring specifically to the situation of women in Afghanistan, Iran and Ukraine.

Finally, he shared his belief that it is vital to involve young people in building a more equal society, and that the theme selected by the Women’s Rights Committee for 8 March this year demonstrated the Principality’s commitment to the humanistic and universal values of sport.

At the end of the day, the artwork produced by Mr One Teas in collaboration with 100 children from CE1 (Year 3) classes in the Principality was officially presented to the public.

The art was unveiled by T.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, who made their own contribution to the work, along with Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The ceremony took place in the Espace Saint Antoine, and was attended by the children involved in making the artwork and numerous personalities.

On the theme “Women and sport seen through the prism of the new generation”, the work depicts the face of Alice Milliat, a key figure in promoting women’s sport who participated in the first women’s Olympiad held in Monaco in 1921. This pioneering sports event came about due to the determination of Prince Albert I and Camille Blanc, CEO of the Société des Bains de Mer. A reminder, too, that Monaco, a sporting country, was ahead of the times in the field of women’s sports.

©Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali