Malala Yousafzai, Fahma Mohamed, Emma Watson
and Nimko Ali - these are 
just some of the incredible girls and women
standing up and speaking out for 
gender equality around the world.
They want what everyone, male or female, deserves;
the right to a good quality 
education, the freedom to make your own choices,
and the chance to live your 
life without fear, discrimination or violence.
Despite all of the advances we’ve made in
the last few decades - to drive 
progress, reduce global poverty and tackle
disease - the struggle for equality 
goes on. And we won’t have the peaceful,
prosperous and fairer world we all 
want until it’s won.
By coming together to mark International Women’s
Day 2015, we make 
our voices louder, celebrating the achievements
of women everywhere in 
education, business, politics and wider society
and pushing for global action to 
secure these same opportunities for millions
more girls and women. 
The UK Government, my party, and I will continue
to do all we can to make that 
happen. We’re working to eliminate those
stereotypes, prejudices and practices 
which, for far too long, have stopped too
many girls and women having a voice 
and control over their own lives.
This includes action to prevent gender-based
violence such as Female Genital 
Mutilation. We want to see a worldwide end
to FGM within a generation and 
we’re backing that vision up with investment
and support at home and abroad. 
The theme of this year’s International Women’s
Day is ‘Make It Happen’. So 
please help us, whether through campaigning,
fundraising or inspiring others to 
get involved. 
Together, we can make the difference - ensuring
that everyone, whatever their 
gender or circumstances, can realise their
dreams.
