Deputy Prime Minister's Office
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Cleggs video message for International Womens Day 2015
Full text
Malala Yousafzai, Fahma Mohamed, Emma Watson and Nimko Ali these are just some of the incredible girls and women standing up and speaking out for gender equality around the world.
They want what everyone, male or female, deserves the right to a good quality education; the freedom to make your own choices; and the chance to live your life without fear, discrimination or violence.
Despite all of the advances weve made in the last few decades to drive progress, reduce global poverty and tackle disease the struggle for equality goes on. And we wont have the peaceful, prosperous and fairer world we all want until its won.
By coming together to mark International Womens Day 2015, we make our voices louder: celebrating the achievements of women everywhere in education, business, politics and wider society and pushing for global action to secure these same opportunities for millions more girls and women.
The UK government, my party and I will continue to do all we can to make that happen. Were working to eliminate those stereotypes, prejudices and practices which, for far too long, have stopped too many girls and women having a voice and control over their own lives.
This includes action to prevent gender-based violence such as Female Genital Mutilation. We want to see a worldwide end to FGM within a generation and were backing that vision up with investment and support at home and abroad.
The theme of this years International Womens Day is Make It Happen. So please help us: whether through campaigning, fundraising or inspiring others to get involved.
Together, we can make the difference ensuring that everyone, whatever their gender or circumstances, can realise their dreams.