International Women’s Day 1998

Statement

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Socialist International Women takes this opportunity to express its support for the women of the world who are standing up for freedom, equality, peace and justice.

Equality today is far from being achieved and equality is the crucial goal for which we must continue to strive.

Equal participation of women and men is reflective of a society’s level of democracy. A true democracy does not and cannot exclude women. Therefore, SIW calls on all political parties to put in place specific measures to ensure that this democratic goal is achieved. As we approach the new millennium, it is equally essential that the international institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank develop programmes to ensure the equal participation of women and men in decision-making positions.