Women: Observance of International Women's Day 

The United States is proud to observe International Women’s Day, March 8. We extend our gratitude to the diverse women and girls around the globe who have made vast contributions in lifting up those facing challenges and hardship and put their own communities and countries on a path to greater progress. The United States reaffirms our support for those women leading in boardrooms and the halls of government, for those changing lives in classrooms and laboratories, for those contributing to families and communities, and for those discovering solutions to prevent disease and end poverty. Barriers to the equal status of women still persist. In far too many places, women and girls still do not enjoy basic rights and are prevented from taking their rightful place in society. We strive for a world in which women and girls are free to realize their full potential and live in dignity along with their families, communities, and countries.

As we affirmed at the International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony yesterday, courageous women inspire a better world and are essential to building peace, prosperity, and security for all. The United States is honored to recognize these outstanding women of courage, emblematic of so many working for the betterment of society and generations to come. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder to rededicate ourselves to gender equality and to remember those who came before us and had the vision to stand up for the rights of half the population to better the whole.