News and events

Statement by Dr Hussein A. Gezairy
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean

On the occasion of
International Women's Day 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women
Tuesday, March 08, 2011 

International Women's Day (IWD) is 100 years old today. Let me join you in celebrating the advances of women's rights and as well as acknowledging the struggles for gender equity over the last 100 years. The theme for International Women's Day 2011 is Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women. Equal access to education, training, science and technology provides girls and women with the skills and opportunities they need to protect their health.   

Advances in the health of women and girls over the last 100 years include early detection of breast and cervical cancers, the tetanus toxoid and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, contraception, and progress towards ending harmful traditional practices. Women have also been increasing in decision making roles in the Region, by assuming Ministerial posts, for example a woman was appointed a Minister as early in the 1960s in Egypt. Despite such remarkable advances, women and girls in the Region continue to face challenges in attaining the best possible health. For example, maternal mortality, the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, including obesity and diabetes, and gender-based violence are major issues for women and girls.   

WHO recognizes that the ‘all’ targeted in “health for all” comprises diverse women and men, who do not all have the same opportunities to secure optimal health. It is our responsibility to ensure that health systems address the distinct needs of women and girls, especially those who are most vulnerable. We can all agree that women and girls are entitled to equal rights and equal opportunities to promote and protect their health in a safe environment. This includes equal access to education, training, science and technology.  

Today we celebrate advances in women and girls’ health over the last 100 years, and reaffirm WHO’s commitment to continuing on this path. Fellow colleagues and staff members, please join me in honouring the roles of women and girls in advancing women’s rights and health and in celebrating International Women’s Day.