International Women's Day

Every year since 1911, 8 March is celebrated around the world as International Women's Day. Today's your Day ... to all the women of the world!

International Women's Day is celebrated to recognize that peace and social progress require the active participation and equality of women, and to acknowledge the contribution of women to international peace and security. For the women of the world, this Day is an occasion to review how far you have come in your struggle for equality, peace and development.

It is an unfortunate fact that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men in many corners of the world. However, great improvements have been achieved thus far. There are female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university and women now can work and have a family. Today, many women do have real choices.

May all women of the world move forward to celebrate these advancements and that all will remain united in the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women's equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.

Be proud that this day has been increasing in status, so honoured to recognise the individual in all of women!