This year, the United Nations and the Verification Mission commemorate International Women's Day with the theme “For women and girls in ALL their diversity: Rights, equality and empowerment”.

Sustainable peace is only possible with the active participation of women at every level. Their leadership is essential to strengthening institutions, preventing violence, and building more just and inclusive societies.

Today, I would like to acknowledge all Colombian women who, day in and day out, work through civil society and state institutions to ensure a better future for Colombia. I also wish to recognize all those women who, within the United Nations System, dedicate their lives to contributing to these efforts. They are our inspiration because they embody women's empowerment and work tirelessly for equality and the empowerment of others. 

On this 8th March, we call on every sector of society to redouble efforts to promote policies that protect and enhance women's role in peace and security in Colombia, including the role of young women. This becomes even more relevant in the context of this year's commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

Let us continue moving towards a country where respect for the rights of women and girls and, gender equality are not distant goals, but an everyday reality for everyone.

— Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia