Pretoria — Unlimited access to improved health care has given women in Gauteng a number of reasons to smile about on International Women's Day, today.

Marking the day with staff and patients at the Soshanguve clinic, north of Pretoria, Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa said women in the province enjoyed more recognition of their health rights, which authorities were taking very seriously.

Dr Ramokgopa said the provincial administration had championed women's issues by placing their health on top of the priority list.

This includes free medical treatment for pregnant women, cervical cancer screening, antiretroviral treatment for rape victims, pap smear check-ups, roll out of preventative measures aimed at curbing HIV transmission from mother-to-child, as well as counselling and treatment of HIV and AIDS.

"I have no doubt that the people who have benefited... will testify that democracy has worked for them and will have a reason to join in celebrations to mark a decade of democracy.

"At no other time in the history of this country has women's issues occupied the centre stage as has happened in the past ten years."

International Women's Day is celebrated worldwide by governments, women and NGOs to profile women's struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.

The United Nations (UN) has thus applauded women for making inroads in this regard.

"International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history, it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men," says the UN website.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is due, on behalf of government, to acknowledge and honour international women who have supported and contributed to the country's struggle.

The recognition is set to take place during the handing over of the first phase of Freedom Park, attended by among others, President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria today.