WLD celebrate International Women's Day 2007

9.42.25am GMT Thu 8th Mar 2007

Liz Evans, WLD Chair has released the following statement in support of International Women's Day,

"International women's day is a unique opportunity for the global community to recognise the enormous contribution made by women in the struggle for equality and human rights worldwide.

Through increased global co-operation, women from diverse backgrounds are championing the shared goals of international peace and social progress, both through local community projects and national campaigns.

The United Nations have highlighted 'Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls' as the 2007 theme. This is a problem that the Liberal Democrats also recognise as being crucial if we are to tackle the persistent gender bias that currently exists in the criminal justice system, both in the UK and internationally.

Every woman should be able to live free from the fear of violence; that is a basic human right. But women should also know that effective measures are in place to bring those who perpetrate crimes against women to justice.

The Liberal Democrats fully support the observance of International Women's Day and recognise the importance of celebrating the significant role women have played in the fight for equality. It is clear from persistent gendered inequalities both at home and abroad that this work if far from over."

If you are doing anything to celebrate International Women's Day please let us know by emailing women@libdems.org.uk.