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“It is with great pleasure that I offer congratulations today to the women of Iraq on the occasion of the International Women's Day and the many achievements they have accomplished over the past year. Today, citizens from around the world will honour women's rights and international peace, continuing a tradition adopted by the UN Security Council in 1977 establishing 8 March as International Women's Day. The citizens of Iraq have been faced with countless challenges. Despite these challenges, the women of Iraq have proven to be strong, resilient and determined to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in elections, develop civil society organisations, and work together to improve the lives of their families as well as themselves. Iraqi women should be commended for their efforts in developing hundreds of civil society organisations and for continuing to work despite threats against their lives and their families. It is this determination that will enable Iraq to overcome its challenges and will stand as a strong example to its neighbours as to the importance of women's participation in government, as well as in civil society. As Iraq rebuilds itself, the country's women are working together to ensure that the new government encompasses the needs of the nation's women and that the constitution provides the necessary legal protections for women, specifically regarding issues such as gender based violence, equal access to education, and the right to vote. This is particularly evidenced by the recent elections where 86 women were elected to the National Assembly, comprising 31% of Assembly seats. This number is 6% above the requirement and ensures that Iraqi women will play a vital role in the new government of Iraq to ensure peace and stability for the nation. Despite the burden that war has placed upon them, Iraqi women remain the force that binds this nation together. Through their continued efforts, I am confident that the women of Iraq will succeed in bringing peace and stability to their communities and thereby to the country. I encourage the women of Iraq to continue focusing their efforts together to overcome the nation's challenges and am confident that their efforts will be fruitful.” ***** 