International Women’s Day will be observed on Friday, 8 March, under the theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”.
The United Nations (UN) has selected this theme to pay homage to women who have reached achievements, regardless of having to face adverse conditions and challenges.
The global organisation utilises the celebration to emphasise the importance of the fact that women and men have equal rights.
The UN maintains that investing in women can spark change and hasten the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all.
The body further aims at tackling economic disempowerment and fast-tracking women to play a significant role in achieving financial growth.
António Guterres, secretary-general of the UN, in his message for support of International Women’s Day stressed that women and girls have made great gains – demolishing barriers, dismantling stereotypes and driving progress towards a more just and equal world.
He has echoed the call to support women’s organisations on the front line.
In South Africa, the celebration ties in with Human Rights Month during March.
