In Focus: International Women's Day This year, International Women’s Day comes on the heels of unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice. Echoing the priority theme of the upcoming 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, International Women’s Day will draw attention to the rights and activism of rural women under the theme: “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”. Join us to celebrate the activists working relentlessly to claim women’s rights everywhere and to empower women in all settings, rural and urban.

Get news, live webcasts, stories and interactive experiences in our in-depth International Women's Day page here: English | Español | Français

Below are some highlights that you cannot miss!

Statement Message by UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on International Women's Day "This year’s theme captures the vibrant life of the women activists whose passion and commitment have won women’s rights over the generations, and successfully brought change. We celebrate an unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality, safety and justice, recognizing the tireless work of activists who have been central to this global push for gender equality."

Read statement: Arabic | English | 中文 | Español | Français | Русский Watch video statement: English | Español | Français Related link: International Women's Day messages from the Secretary-General and the UN system On your radar: Events Facebook live: Activism and action

When: 12:15 p.m. EST, Wednesday 7 March 2018 Where: UN Women Facebook (global page)

UN Women will host a Facebook live on Wednesday, 7 March with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, co-founder and president of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas Mónica Ramírez, and the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake. The event will be moderated by international broadcast journalist from TRT World, Ghida Fakhry. Tune in at 12:15 p.m. EST on our Facebook page and join the conversation!

International Women’s Day 2018 – Observance at UN headquarters

When: 10 a.m. EST, Thursday 8 March 2018 Where: General Assembly Hall, UN Headquarters, New York. The UN Observance of International Women’s Day 2018 will take place on Thursday, 8 March at UN Headquarters in New York. The event, which will be webcast live , will feature diverse voices, including António Guterres, UN Secretary-General; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director; Monica Ramirez, co-founder and president of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas; Reese Witherspoon, Academy Award–winning actor and activist; Danai Gurira, Tony-nominated playwright, actor and activist; and senior officials and civil society representatives. The event will be moderated by Sade Baderinwa, broadcast journalist from WABC, Channel 7, NY. RSVP | Media Advisory | Full list of speakers Stay tuned for the live webcast on unwomen.org and webtv.un.org .

Photo exhibit: Rural Women, Human Rights

When: 8 March – 18 April 2018 Where: UN Visitor's Lobby, UN Headquarters, 405 E 42nd Street (46th St & 1st Ave), New York, NY 10017 This exhibit highlights stories of rural women and the issues they face in the context of the human rights the world has committed to uphold. Can't make it? See the online version here »

Editor's picks: Activists unite Timeline: Women of the world, unite! Explore women’s activism from generations past and present: English | Español | Français Video: Celebrating the women who have changed the world Hear from rural and urban activists who have transformed women's lives. English | Español | Français

In the words of Jaha Dukureh: “We are at a tipping point in the movement to end FGM”

In the words of Ana Vasileva: “We are talking the talk and walking the walk”

Eight ways you can be a women’s rights advocate today, and every day Embrace your inner activist and empower the women in your life. Like what you see? There's plenty more! See photo essays, infographics and more stories in our in-depth International Women's Day page here: English | Español | Français Join the movement: Engage

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Going the extra mile: Partnerships Common Ground initiative with WPP

Under the UN Secretary-General’s Common Ground initiative , WPP, the world's largest advertising and communications holding company, is working with UN Women to advance gender equality. We are working together on pro-bono ad placements for International Women's Day. Keep an eye out for the ads on Spotify, Snapchat, Mic and more!

Cartooning for Peace

We are embarking on an exciting new partnership with Cartooning for Peace, a non-profit international network of press cartoonists founded by editorial cartoonist Plantu in 2006 and placed under the patronage of former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan. For International Women’s Day, they have shared for our use cartoons by their world famous members on gender equality issues, from their recently published book, 'Make way for Women'. The cartoons will be used on UN Women's website and social media channels. See cartoons »

Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women 220 E. 42nd Street, 18th Floor New York, NY 10017

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