MOGADISHU, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations' top envoy in Somalia on Tuesday praised Somali women for their tireless efforts and immense contributions to promoting peace, political stability and development in the country.
"Somali women have shown bravery, resilience and unwavering resolve to ensure gender equality and full participation of women in all spheres of life," said UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia James Swan in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, to mark the International Women's Day.
Swan also called for concerted efforts to advance Somali women's political participation and leadership.
The theme of this year's International Women's Day is "Gender Equality Today For a Sustainable Tomorrow" and the day marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. He commended Somali women's active role and advocacy in the ongoing federal electoral process to achieve the minimum 30 percent quota for women.
"Women's representation can change the political landscape in Somalia, making it more inclusive and pluralist," said Swan.
The UN in Somalia acknowledged the tremendous efforts and contribution of Somali women over the years and urged all Somali stakeholders, particularly the country's leaders, to ensure greater inclusion, voice and participation of women in all national and state-level bodies to realize and sustain peace and development in Somalia.
Swan said there is an opportunity to advance gender equality and women's political empowerment and leadership for sustainable peace and development as the country prepares for a new government. "It is important that their contributions are recognized together with their rightful place in leadership and decision-making in peace and political processes."
International Women's Day has been observed around the world since 1975, to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. ■
