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SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday marked the 101st International Women's Day, and women throughout the world are asking for more rights.
Women marched in Baghdad, draped in Iraqi flags, to celebrate.
Several thousand walked across the Millennium Bridge in London. Cherie Blair, wife of the former prime minister, participated in the release of doves, symbolizing the need for world peace.
Thousands of women released white balloons in Sarajevo, Bosnia, as a call for equal rights.
In Romania's capital city Bucharest, women drew attention to domestic abuse. As part of the protest, some painted bruises on their faces.
Related:
Turkey acts to better protect women from abuse
Turkey's Parliament marked International Women's Day on Thursday by approving a package of laws aimed at better protecting women and children from abuse."We are in the 21st century, and still we haven't really achieved equal rights for women," said human rights activist Bianca Jagger. "We are still seeing the violation of women's rights around the world."
In Utah, members of the Soroptimist International, which means "best for women," gathered for an annual luncheon. They are professionals who volunteer their time and finances to community-based projects for women. They also think of the next generation.
"How many celebrations are happening globally today? And so many girls and young women are watching and getting inspired. How many thousands of minds?" asked Gabrielle McAfee, president of Soroptimist International of Salt Lake City.
Soroptimist has 95,000 members in 124 countries. Internationally, the group focuses on women in rural communities who benefit from micro loans and improved land rights.
Former Utah Gov. Olene Walker urged members of the group to become more involved in local politics.
"So many important decisions are made at the local level, or at the county level, but especially at the state level," Walker said, "and they have an obligation to contribute."
Walker also said that not enough young women in the United States understand that, in the 21st century, if they work hard enough, they can achieve whatever they wish.
