International Women's Day.

Since 1975, the United Nations has celebrated March 8 as International Women's Day, in commemoration of the historical struggle that women have waged to participate in society on an equal footing with men. Although, at the beginning, that date was used in memory of the group of working women who in 1857 took to the streets of New York to demand equality in the workplace, it now serves to vindicate the role of women in a global society.

On this day we try to recognize the global struggle of women on all continents, whatever their ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political origins. It is a recognition for equality, justice, peace and development. Studies show figures of how difficult it is to put an end to all forms of discrimination against women and girls, it is an arduous task that takes innumerable victims across the planet. It is estimated that approximately 700 million women worldwide have had to marry before the age of 18, and that 3 out of 4 women who perform a professional activity have been victims of sexual harassment.

However, the change is already an unstoppable reality: in thirty years, the percentage of girls under 15 years of age has been significantly reduced, and the rights linked to women's reproductive health have seen an important advance.

Although much progress has been made in this regard, there is still much work to be done to achieve real and effective equality, and to guarantee respect for the rights of all women and girls, and especially those linked to reproductive health and the elimination of all the forms of violence against him.

In this regard, the European Union has tried to ensure that the agenda on gender equality takes a leading role in its policies, and proof of this is that we are the leading investor in gender equality and global change. We are convinced that social norms can evolve through the right educational, legislative and social tools.

Thus, the European Union has decided to assume the Call for Protection against Gender-based Violence in Emergency Situations; has ratified the Istanbul Convention on the prevention and fight against violence against women and domestic violence; and has promoted, together with the United Nations, the Spotlight initiative, aimed at ending violence against girls and women.

March 8 is a good occasion to reflect on the progress made, but also an opportunity to transform the momentum into action, to advocate for more changes and to empower women in all contexts.