Nations with gender equality have greater economic growth. Business with women leaders perform better. Peace agreements drawn up by women are more durable. Legislative assemblies with women enact legislation on important social issues such as health, education, anti-discrimination and child support. Equality for women means progress for everyone.
On this International Women’s Day, let us all reflect on the progress yet to be made for all the women of the world who will continue to play an extraordinary role in the history and well being of our planet.
A girl newborn still faces inequality, no matter where she lives. We have an obligation to allow her to live free from the violence that affects one in three women around the world. These women must earn equal pay for equal work and enjoy freedom from discrimination that prevents her from deciding if and when she will have children, and how many she will be allowed to nurse.