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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

International Women’s Day, 8 March 2002

6 March 2002

In a message released today, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said:

International Women's Day is a time to remember the significant milestones that continue to be achieved by women throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.
Since 1975 - designated by the United Nations as International Women's Year -women everywhere in the Commonwealth have made strides in gaining access to education and health care, participating in decision-making, having their voices heard on the political scene, and making a vital contribution to the life of their communities.

The Commonwealth strives to create a world in which women and men play an equal part in building communities around the shared values of democracy, social justice and respect for human rights. It works towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals set by the UN, which include universal primary education for girls and boys alike, gender equality and empowerment of women.

Last August, I released my report on 'Meeting the New Challenges' in gender and development. It showed that initiatives by member countries to mainstream gender in social, economic and environmental issues - the three pillars of sustainable development - can pay huge dividends. For example, it is widely recognised that educating girls is one of the surest investments a country can make towards its future development.

As a global association of 54 countries, the Commonwealth brings together a diversity of voices, experiences and strategies in advancing the agenda for gender equality. The theme for this year's Commonwealth Day on 11 March is 'Celebrating Diversity'.

We have the opportunity to celebrate this diversity by working together to reduce gender inequalities. It is also fitting that men, as equal partners and beneficiaries of gender equality, should recognise their strategic role in the process and celebrate this diversity alongside women.

But we must remember that great challenges still lie ahead. In particular, we must find resources to implement the gender agenda. With the International Conference on Financing for Development due to take place on 18-22 March 2002 in Monterrey, Mexico, we must redouble our efforts to increase the flow of resources in order to achieve the goals of gender equality, development and peace.

The Commonwealth works towards these goals through development activities in gender, governance and security, conflict resolution, human rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, using such pioneering tools as the gender management system, gender responsive budgeting, and an integrated approach to gender-based violence.

I urge governments to increase their efforts and provide a solid foundation for the advancement of gender equality in this century. This year, let us again renew our trust in the optimism and courage of women throughout the Commonwealth. Let us make sure they continue to gain ground in making their voices heard, and in being recognised as equal partners in building our common future.
Happy International Women's Day!

Note to editors:
The Commonwealth Secretary-General's 2001 'Report on the Implementation of the 1995 Commonwealth Plan of Action on Gender and Development and its Update (2000-2005)' is available free of charge from the Gender and Youth Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat. Copies may be downloaded on the Commonwealth website: In a message released today, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said:

International Women's Day is a time to remember the significant milestones that continue to be achieved by women throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

Since 1975 - designated by the United Nations as International Women's Year -women everywhere in the Commonwealth have made strides in gaining access to education and health care, participating in decision-making, having their voices heard on the political scene, and making a vital contribution to the life of their communities.

The Commonwealth strives to create a world in which women and men play an equal part in building communities around the shared values of democracy, social justice and respect for human rights. It works towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals set by the UN, which include universal primary education for girls and boys alike, gender equality and empowerment of women.

Last August, I released my report on 'Meeting the New Challenges' in gender and development. It showed that initiatives by member countries to mainstream gender in social, economic and environmental issues - the three pillars of sustainable development - can pay huge dividends. For example, it is widely recognised that educating girls is one of the surest investments a country can make towards its future development.

As a global association of 54 countries, the Commonwealth brings together a diversity of voices, experiences and strategies in advancing the agenda for gender equality. The theme for this year's Commonwealth Day on 11 March is 'Celebrating Diversity'.

We have the opportunity to celebrate this diversity by working together to reduce gender inequalities. It is also fitting that men, as equal partners and beneficiaries of gender equality, should recognise their strategic role in the process and celebrate this diversity alongside women.

But we must remember that great challenges still lie ahead. In particular, we must find resources to implement the gender agenda. With the International Conference on Financing for Development due to take place on 18-22 March 2002 in Monterrey, Mexico, we must redouble our efforts to increase the flow of resources in order to achieve the goals of gender equality, development and peace.

The Commonwealth works towards these goals through development activities in gender, governance and security, conflict resolution, human rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, using such pioneering tools as the gender management system, gender responsive budgeting, and an integrated approach to gender-based violence.
I urge governments to increase their efforts and provide a solid foundation for the advancement of gender equality in this century. This year, let us again renew our trust in the optimism and courage of women throughout the Commonwealth. Let us make sure they continue to gain ground in making their voices heard, and in being recognised as equal partners in building our common future.

Happy International Women's Day!



Note to editors:
The Commonwealth Secretary-General's 2001 'Report on the Implementation of the 1995 Commonwealth Plan of Action on Gender and Development and its Update (2000-2005)' is available free of charge from the Gender and Youth Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat. Copies may be downloaded on the Commonwealth website: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/gender/

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