International Women’s Day - advancing gender equality in the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth will host an event ahead of International Women’s Day, on 6 March at Marlborough House in London, to examine ways to break down barriers to gender equality.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland will join leaders, celebrities, academics, dignitaries and women’s rights activists to reflect on progress made and celebrate women achievers.

Despite all efforts, legal, social and cultural barriers prevent women from getting a job or owning a business. Across the Commonwealth only 56% of women work in the labour force.

An expert panel will discuss cutting-edge ideas to get rid of discriminatory practices so every woman can work safely and without fear.

Patricia Scotland will deliver her Commonwealth message to detail how the 54 member countries will work towards the United Nations sustainable development goal for gender equality.

There will be a short film highlighting how Botswanan women have benefited from and improved their living standards by working in the country’s diamond industry.

The NO MORE Foundation’s Global Director Pamela Zaballa will present a new Commonwealth campaign, which aims to bring down cases of domestic violence in member countries.

The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March during International Women’s Year 1975. The 2020 global theme for the day is ‘I am Generation Equality: Realising Women's Rights’