On the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the UN is focusing on “Equal Access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women.” The new UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women—UN Women—will be hosting a number of events centered around International Women’s Day. The full schedule of events is available on UN Women’s website.
UN Women’s executive director, Michelle Bachelet, explains why women’s rights are crucial. “It is not just women who pay the price for this discrimination. We all suffer for failing to make the most of half the world’s talent and potential. We undermine the quality of our democracy, the strength of our economies, the health of our societies and the sustainability of peace.”
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement, "The United States continues to make women a cornerstone of our foreign policy. It's not just the right thing to do. It's the smart thing. Women and girls drive our economies. They build peace and prosperity. Investing in them means investing in global economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity for everyone—the world over.” Secretary Clinton also awarded ten women the International Women of Courage award. A list of State Department events is available on their website.
For more information about International Women’s Day, visit UN Women’s website.
