On the occasion of 8 March, the International Women’s Day, the Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Special Representative Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, said:

“Today, on International Women’s Day, we for one celebrate the progress and dynamics the societies have brought about in efforts to ensure a more equal participation of women in all aspects of life. We also pay tribute to all the courageous and remarkable women whose work and dedication across the world plays a pivotal role in development and prosperity.

Still, there are gaps to overcome, and many deeply rooted challenges to address. We must continue to work hard, beyond the 8th March, to advance the rights of women and girls. The realities upon us are sobering. Women earn less, and continue to be under-represented in politics and business. This needs to change. Enabling them equal access to education and labour markets is one step we should all commit to.  Women are everyday victims of violence and discrimination in many forms. Their economic empowerment is seen crucial in countering these trends.

One must recognise that empowering women means empowering societies at large. Mainstreaming the gender perspective into policies and actions results in human development benefits for communities across the world, regardless of economic indicators or national boundaries.

The actions to take to advance gender equality do have many facets – they cross all levels of policy-making, involve partners from grassroot to top levels, and require a joint approach. This is essential. If we all – women and men, girls and boys alike – commit individually and as members of society, we can deliver tangible results for all women.”