EU Reaffirms Commitment To Promote Gender Equality, Advancement Of Women Worldwide

SINGAPORE, March 9 (Bernama) -- The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. She said this in a statement from Brussels released by the EU Delegation here, in conjunction with International Women’s Day on Thursday. "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," said Ashton, who is also vice-president of the EU Commission. While women were still under-represented politically, she said the EU had been encouraged by the leading roles they played in the Arab Spring. "We hope that women will maintain a central role as these countries continue their political transition," she added. -- BERNAMA