International Women's Day 2015: message from Nick Clegg
The Deputy Prime Minister has recorded a video message to celebrate International Women's Day and to invite everyone to get involved.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s video message for International Women’s 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 we’ve made in the last few decades – to drive progress, reduce global poverty and tackle disease – the struggle for equality goes on. And we won’t have the peaceful, prosperous and fairer world we all want until it’s won.
By coming together to mark International Women’s 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. We’re 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 we’re backing that vision up with investment and support at home and abroad.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s 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.