MUMBAI: United Nations is releasing a special song titled ‘One Woman’ on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March. The special song will feature classical musician Anoushka Shankar amongst 25 women from across 20 countries.
The song is composed by Graham Lyle, British/Somali singer-songwriter Fahan Hassan and penned by Beth Blatt.
A musical celebration of women worldwide, the song is to be released tomorrow on the occasion of the International Women's Day. The song calls for change and celebrates acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who daily make extraordinary contributions to their countries and communities.
Besides Shankar, other singers to feature in the song are Ana Bacalhau (Portugal), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Bassekou Kouyate (Mali), Bebel Gilberto (Brazil), Beth Blatt (US), Brian Finnegan (Ireland), Buika (Spain), Charice (Philippines), Cherine Amr (Egypt), Debi Nova (Costa Rica), Emeline Michel (Haiti), Fahan Hassan (Britain), Idan Raichel (Israel), Jane Zhang (China), Jim Diamond (Britain), Keith Murrell ( Britain), Lance Ellington (Britain), Marta Gomez (Colombia), Maria Friedman (Britain), Meklit Hadero (Ethiopia), Rokia Traore (Mali), Vanessa Quai (Vanuatu), Ximena Sarinana (Mexico) and Yuna (Malaysia).
UN Women executive director Michelle Bachelet said, “One Woman gives us a message of hope and inspiration. This song carries a message of unity and solidarity with women worldwide and reminds us that equality, human rights and human dignity are the birthright of all of us, every human being. I thank everyone who made this song possible.”
The song was initially performed during the launch event for UN Women in the UN General Assembly Hall in 2011. It aims to become a rallying cry that inspires listeners about the mission of UN Women and engages them to join in the drive for women empowerment and gender equality.
It has been sponsored and the video produced by Microsoft, as UN Women's corporate partner for One Woman. The song will be available for purchase on its website and other common channels like iTunes and Amazon for USD 0.99. All proceeds will go directly to UN Women in support of its programmes to empower women on the ground.
UN Women is the UN organization charged with advancing women's empowerment and gender equality worldwide. It began its work in 2011, the first new UN organization in decades. ‘One Woman’ is the first theme song for a UN organization.