The United Nations commemorated International Women’s Day today Friday at the UN Headquarters in New York. The theme for the celebration “Equality for Women is Progress for All.”  The full event was webcast.  Access here!

Words from UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon “we also know equality for women is progress for all.  Countries with higher levels of gender equality have higher economic growth. Companies with more women on their Boards have higher returns. Peace agreements that include women are more successful. Parliaments with more women take up a wider range of issues – including health, education, anti-discrimination, and child support. Gender equality and women’s empowerment have been a top priority for me from day one. And I am committed to making sure that the UN walks the talk.”

Follow Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Here                                            ” Together we must make sure that:

• SHE is Safe and Secure from gender-based violence.
• SHE has Human rights that are respected, including reproductive rights.
• SHE is Empowered economically and in every way through Education, Equal opportunity, participation and leadership.
• This is the SHE imperative to which I call on you to commit.

Let us all cross the line and stand on the right side of history. Today and every day, UN Women will stand strong for women’s rights, women’s empowerment and gender equality. Equality for women is progress for all.”

UN Women also launched  ‘He For She’ campaign  – a new equality branding campaign, in which men all over the world are being encouraged to speak out against the inequalities faced by women and girls. Check it out! –  See the website  Are we reaching out to men and boys asking them to speak out against the inequalities faced by woman and girls on a daily basis.  

On Monday March 10, 2014 the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women opens. The Priority Theme this year is ” Challenges and achievements in  the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls.”  Read our Good Shepherd Statement to the Commission published in the 6 languages of the United Nations Statement here!

Conclude your reading with this reflection shared by Shirley in Ireland.  International Womens Day Reflection 2014