March 8th: “It is time to transform women’s lives.”

The topic and the key message of the March 8^th, 2018 International Women’s Day, is “Time has come: rural and urban activists transform women’s lives.”

This year’s International Women’s Day is marked by the rise of an unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice. Sexual harassment, violence and discriminatory attitudes toward women are at the media headquarters and in the center of public debate, leading to change in decision-making.

People are united in the world for the future, which is even more equal. It is manifested in various campaigns, including the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and violence in the United States, # YoTambien’s campaign in Mexico, Spain, South America and other countries, #QuellaVoltaChe in Italy, # BalanceTonPorc in France and #Ana_kaman in the Arab States, the “Ni Una Menos” campaign in Argentina against the feminists and other movements from women’s political representation to the issues of equal pay.

This year’s International Women’s Day marks the activists working day-to-day in rural and urban areas to protect women’s rights and realize their full potential. The UN-Women calls on activists to join the global community and using an appropriate moment to transform women’s lives. Time has come …

The UN Secretary-General’s message on the International Women’s Day  emphasizes the role of men in the full realization of women’s potential, as it stems from the interests of the whole society.

“Gender equality is a human rights issue, and it stems from the interests of all of us, men and boys, women and girls. Gender inequality and discrimination against women are damaging all of us. Numerous evidence suggests that supporting women is the most effective way to assist communities, companies, and even developing countries. Women’s involvement in peace treaties becomes more influential – the society is more flexible and economies are more flourishing. Wherever discrimination against women is practiced, we often encounter  practices or beliefs that are harmful to all of us. Paternity leave for  children’s care, the laws preventing domestic violence and the equal payroll laws are good for all of us. In this crucial phase of the protection of women’s rights, it is high time for men to stand by them, to hear and learn from them. I’m proud to be part of this movement and I hope it will continue its sounding in the UN and around the world, “said the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement.