International Women's Day 2020: Generation Equality

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights”.

It is not just about talking about plans and goals, but making sure real change occurs. This is a key time to look ahead and consider how to engage women from across generations.

The last decade saw women rise up, use their voices and create real change. Whether it was through the #MeToo movement, in Greta Thunberg’s global climate change campaign or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest ever women being voted into the United States Senate.

International Women’s Day comes at a turbulent time across the world, with a pandemic, post-Brexit economic uncertainty and a continuing refugee crisis. It has never been more important to ensure gender equality, where all people have a voice and all capabilities are leveraged.

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate and remember why equality is so important and what unique qualities women bring to the world.

Today I’d especially like to recognise the following women:

Nagazi Okonjio-Iweala, for all her work in international development

Ambassador Melanne Verveer, for her unrelenting leadership for women, peace and security

Stephenie Foster, a key voice in women’s leadership and empowerment

Baroness Janet Royall, for always showing true leadership as Principal of Somerville College, Oxford

Dame Helena Morrissey, for her unwavering commitment to leadership in diversity and inclusion

Carol Andrews, for spearheading the 30% Club in Ireland

We must inspire the next generation to find their own voices, to celebrate their achievements and together create a more equitable world.

I hope you join me today in celebrating and encouraging the strength of women across the world and creating more opportunities for women to do even more good.

All the best,

Baroness Goudie