The International Women's Day   is celebrated on 8 March as a day of celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

The year 2015 marks a significant milestone – the 20th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – which will be the focus of the 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW59). 

At the annual high-level gathering, taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9-20 March 2015, global leaders and activists will take stock of progress and remaining challenges for implementing this landmark agreement for gender equality and women's rights. States drafting the Declaration in 1995, identified 12 critical areas of concern, all of which are still relevant challenges today.