THE SPECIAL ENVOY OF THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR THE GREAT LAKES REGION

MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Nairobi, 8 March 2018  

As we mark the International Women’s Day on 8 March, another opportunity presents to reflect on the important position of women in the development and wellbeing of society. In the Great Lakes region of Africa, women continue to bear the brunt of conflicts amidst daily sacrifices to ensure the survival of communities in conflict affected areas. I salute the contributions, courage, and remarkable resilience of the women of the region. I call for greater actions in policy implementation to ensure that the rights of women are protected and that they become active participants in critical decision making processes for the achievement of real change across the region through collective efforts.  Never before, has there been such momentum across the World for women to take their rightful equal place in all aspects of life in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) and other international instruments.  The United Nations recognizes that it has a key role to play in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. I therefore remain committed to work tirelessly with the signatory member states and partners of the ‘Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region’ to achieve the objectives of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda for the region. 

Staff of the office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region of Africa commemorating the International Women’s Day, Nairobi, 8 March 2018.