In commemoration of the 2014 International Women’s Day, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) will hold a seminar on Thursday 6th March 2014 at the UN Conference Centre, on the theme Equality for Women Progress for All. The theme for 2014 IWD highlights the critical need of attaining gender equality in order to secure the general socio economic development for all.

The seminar will underscore that equal rights and opportunities for women will guarantee improved maternal health and reduce poverty and hunger. This is in light of a strong case for investing in girls' education, improving property law and inheritance rights for women as a pre cursor for attainment of sustainable development. Moreover, increased inclusion of women into the economy by narrowing the gender gaps in education, access to health, capital, employment and markets would lead to high levels of economic productivity which would in turn lead to increased and inclusive economic growth.

The seminar will bring together ECA staff members, UN agencies, Ambassadors and the AUC to discuss gender equality in the context of Africa's socio economic transformation agenda. The IWD seminar will contribute to shaping a gender responsive post 2015 agenda in line with forth coming events such as the 58th Session of CSW and the preparations for the Beijing plus 20 Review forum. The seminar is expected to provide a space to articulate issues related to the theme. The discussions will strengthening efforts to assess the impact of the MDG on women’s socio economic and political rights. The event will also help to shape a gender responsive post 2015 agenda and incorporate issues that were initially left out in the MDGs, such as violence against women. In addition, commemorating the day will help to enhance debate, advocacy and strategic action to influence ongoing efforts towards the post 2015 development agenda.

The workshop will provide a space for articulating policy messages to be taken forward in the Beijing+20 preparatory processes.