"Equality for women is progress for all" is the theme of the 2014 International Women’s Day. It is an occasion to reaffirm that development, progress and peace will remain incomplete until women enjoy all their human rights and participate effectively in decision-making, at all economic, social, political and cultural levels.

This year, International Women's Day is celebrated at a time when the Arab region is facing great political, institutional, legislative and security challenges that are hindering the achievement of sustainable and inclusive development, perpetuating the marginalization of women and weakening their roles in all development processes. Despite tangible progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals in several Arab countries, especially in the areas of education and reproductive health, Arab women continue to suffer from gender discrimination and unequal access to opportunities and resources. The Arab region has the highest rate of female unemployment, at almost three times the global average. It also has the highest ratio of women to men in vulnerable employment, and women continue to earn on average less than men for the same work. Although women’s political participation has recently increased in some Arab countries, they remain underrepresented at senior governmental, legislative and executive levels, occupying only 10 per cent of those positions in most countries, and as little as 2 per cent in some.

As we celebrate Arab women on International Women's Day for their determination to contribute to building their societies based on universal principles of equality and human rights, we commend their resilience and steadfast resolve in the face of unprecedented waves of violence and conflicts that have swept through several countries in the region. And we stand by the Palestinian women in their struggle under the hardship of continuing Israeli occupation; and by the Syrian women refugees in their suffering and in facing violence and violations of their rights; and by all Arab women in the region in fighting for their full and inalienable rights.

On the occasion of International Women's Day we call once again on governments and civil society organizations to continue their joint efforts to build on progress achieved to combat and eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls through all available means, and to situate gender equality at the core of any new development plans and frameworks. We reaffirm our commitment through the United Nations system towards achieving sustainable development in the Arab region that fulfills the aspirations and hopes of all members of society.