Riyadh: UN Women has called on the international community to uphold rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls.
According to Emirates News Agency, the call was made during the UN commemoration of the 50th International Women's Day on 8th March, where UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous delivered her welcoming remarks. Bahous emphasized the urgent need for gender equality, highlighting that while obstacles remain, the determination to achieve equality has never been stronger.
Bahous stated, "Today we celebrate equality for ALL women and girls, and we celebrate coming together, here, now, everywhere. This year our call is, 'For ALL women and girls. Rights. Equality. Empowerment.' Because equality with exceptions is not equality. Because the world has promised rights, equality, and empowerment to all women and girls, everywhere, always. And this promise has yet to be realised."
She further elaborated on the importance of gender equality across various sectors, from governments to boardrooms, and classrooms to households, asserting that women's equality is a crucial solution to global challenges. Bahous underlined that real solutions necessitate women's involvement in decision-making processes, as they often bear the brunt of conflict and hardship.
"We know that when women's voices are heard equally, societies thrive. We know that when women lead, economies prosper. We know all this. Now, we must act on it. So that the promises we have made are fulfilled for ALL women and girls, and so that all women can lead and thrive," Bahous concluded, reinforcing the need for immediate and effective action towards gender equality.