Statement of High Representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton on the International Women’s Day

"Today we celebrate International Women’s Day. While we can be proud of the significant progress already made, this day reminds us that much work lies ahead to achieve true gender equality.

"Today we celebrate International Women’s Day. While we can be proud of the significant progress already made, this day reminds us that much work lies ahead to achieve true gender equality.

While women are still underrepresented politically, the European Union has been encouraged by the leading role they played in the Arab Spring. We hope that women will maintain a central role as these countries continue their political transition. The EU will continue to provide support to women's groups in the southern Mediterranean, as it does across the world, through projects such as the one which allowed Libyan women to observe the elections in Tunisia.

On this special day, the EU reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide."