International Women's Day has special meaning for the OSCE, says Secretary General

VIENNA, 7 March 2008 - International Women's Day provides a good opportunity to redouble efforts to achieve genuine equality between men and women, the OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, said today. 

"For the OSCE, this struggle has a special meaning, as the 56 participating States understand that sustainable progress toward security, economic prosperity, fundamental freedoms and human rights requires the full participation and empowerment of women," the Secretary General said.

Gender equality is a priority of Finland's year-long Chairmanship of the OSCE.

Across all OSCE institutions, field operations and participating States, this day brings to mind milestones such as the adoption, four years ago, of the OSCE's Action Plan for Gender Equality. The OSCE works actively in practical ways in the field to develop gender equality. 

Just today, as part of the OSCE Gender Programme, the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe has supported the opening of a computer centre in a student dormitory for orphan girls. In several participating States, for example in Albania, the Organization helps governments to draft legislation on Gender Equality. 

"Yet, we still have much to do to achieve genuine equality between men and women," de Brichambaut added. "Women still suffer from social inequalities and economic discrepancies, from violence and discrimination in families, schools, workplaces and the political arena."