Events will take place around the world in honor of International Women’s Day today, both documenting progress made for women’s rights and noting the remaining challenges to women’s equality worldwide.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon stated, “As we commemorate Internationals Women’s Day, 8 March 2012, gender equality and the empowerment of women are gaining ground worldwide. There are more women heads of state or government than ever, and the highest proportion of women serving as government ministers. Women are exercising ever greater influence in business. More girls are going to school, and are growing up healthier and better equipped to realise their potential. Despite this momentum, there is a long way to go before women and girls can be said to enjoy the fundamental rights, freedom and dignity that are their birthright and that will guarantee their well-being.”
In Washington DC, the World Bank, the Nordic Trust Fund, The Leadership Conference Education Fund, and the United Nations Foundation are holding events throughout the week on the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In addition, First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are hosting the annual International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony today.
