UN Women urged the global community to support the rights, equality, and empowerment of all women and girls on the occassion of International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global observance dedicated to honoring the achievements, contributions, and progress of women and girls worldwide. It also serves as a reminder to continue advocating for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous in her welcoming remarks at the UN commemoration of the 50th International Women’s Day stated that, “International Women’s Day is a powerful moment, and this year more than ever. The cause of gender equality has never been more urgent, nor the obstacles in our way more apparent, but our determination has never been more unshakeable.”
The UN Women Executive Director noted that, “Today we celebrate equality for ALL women and girls, and we celebrate coming together, here, now, everywhere. This year our call is, ‘For ALL women and girls. Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ Because equality with exceptions is not equality. Because the world has promised rights, equality, and empowerment to all women and girls, everywhere, always. And this promise has yet to be realized.”
Sima Bahous said that, “From governments to boardrooms, from classrooms to households, women’s equality is the greatest solution, and we know that. Every study we do, every project we do, every program we do, every effort and partnership we have tells us that women’s equality is the greatest solution. Real solutions require that women be at the heart of decision-making. Women bear the heaviest burdens of conflict, displacement, hardship, and loss. Yet, we know that when women are at the table, peace is broader, more inclusive, and more enduring.”
“We know that when women’s voices are heard equally, societies thrive. We know that when women lead, economies prosper. We know all this. Now, we must act on it. So that the promises we have made are fulfilled for ALL women and girls, and so that all women can lead and thrive,” the UN Women Executive Director concluded.
