On the
occasion of the celebration of International Women’s Day, it is important and
necessary to highlight the following truisms:
“Inequality for women and girls is not only inimical to personal development and well-being, but also undermines national development itself”, declared the Gambian minister for Women’s Affairs.
Indeed, women constitute more than half of the population in many countries in the world, and this is clearly the case in The Gambia, as the provisional 2013 census results revealed.
“Reducing or eliminating inequalities in society is critical to improving the socio-economic well-being of men, women and the rest of society”.
“Addressing gender inequality and inequity requires taking a holistic rights-based approach to development, by all stakeholders”.
In 2014 IWD “is highlighting the importance of achieving equality for women and girls, because it is a matter of fundamental human rights, and progress in many areas depends on it”, declared UN secretary-general Ban Ki Moon
“Countries with more gender equality have better economic growth…and the evidence is clear – equality for women means progress for all.
“This simple truth must be central as we work to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals by next year’s deadline, and craft an agenda for the years beyond 2015.”
“Important gains have been made in access to primary education for girls, and political representation by women. But progress remains far too slow and uneven.
“A baby girl born today will still face inequality and discrimination, no matter where her mother lives.
“We have a common obligation to ensure her right to live free from the violence that affects one in three women globally; to earn equal pay for equal work; to be free from discrimination that prevents her from participating in the economy; to have an equal say in the decisions that affect her life; and to decide if and when she will have children, and how many she will have.
“Realising human rights and equality is not a dream. It is a duty of governments, the United Nations and every human being.”
Men and boys are called upon to “play your part to ensure women and girls, your mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues can reach their full potential”.
“Together let us work for women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality, as we strive to eliminate poverty and promote sustainable development.
“Equality for women is progress for all”.
“Women have made great advances, but there is still a long way to go to achieve a world free from gender-based discrimination”, declared EU foreign affairs chief.
“Equal access to education and health services and the chance to become a full participant in political life is everyone’s right and an essential ingredient of democracy. Long-term stability and development can only be achieved if violence and discrimination against women are addressed.
“The European Union remains committed to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
“Where women prosper, societies prosper; where women suffer, so do the societies they live in”.
“Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacity.”
Gandhi
