International Women's Day
Mar 8, 2013
A victim of sexual violence, Beatrice is gradually learning to live again thanks to moral and financial support provided by her Community Centre in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Junior D. Kannah/UNDP DRC
This year, International Women’s Day focuses on achieving momentum in the fight for gender equality, and the specific theme is “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.”
"This year on International Women’s Day, we convert our outrage into action. We declare that we will prosecute crimes against women – and never allow women to be subjected to punishments for the abuses they have suffered. We renew our pledge to combat this global health menace wherever it may lurk – in homes and businesses, in war zones and placid countries, and in the minds of people who allow violence to continue." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Video
UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Antionio Banderas delivers a message for International Women's Day 2013, urging an end to violence against women and girls.Our Stories
UNDP in Bangladesh
Bangladesh: Equipping women to fight poverty
In the past decade alone, Bangladesh has slashed its poverty by half. Shyamola Begum, 43, is one personal example of this larger success.More
UNDP in Sudan
A rule-of-law programme in Darfur is helping promote and improve equal access to justice.More
UNDP in Haiti
Playing a vital role in their country’s response to the 2010 earthquake, Haitian women have gone back to work, creating businesses and new jobs.More
UNDP in DRC
To support and meet the needs of those left vulnerable by conflicts in the DRC, multifunctional community centres are providing economic and social support. More
