International Women’s Day 2019: Think equal, build smart, innovate for change

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The theme for International Women’s Day 2019, which will take place on 8March, is “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”.

The theme will focus on innovative ways in which we can advance genderequality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of socialprotection systems, access to public services and sustainableinfrastructure.

The achievement of the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)requires transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions,particularly when it comes to advancing gender equality and the empowermentof all women and girls. Based on current trajectories, existinginterventions will not suffice to achieve a Planet 50-50 by 2030.Innovative approaches that disrupt “business as usual” are central toremoving structural barriers and ensuring that no woman and no girl is leftbehind.

Innovation and technology provide unprecedented opportunities, yet trendsindicate a growing gender digital divide and women are under-represented inthe field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design. It prevents them from developing andinfluencing gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gainsfor society. From mobile banking to artificial intelligence and theinternet of things, it is vital that women’s ideas and experiences equallyinfluence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape ourfuture societies.

Echoing the CSW63 Priority theme, IWD 2019 will look to industry leaders, game-changing start-ups, socialentrepreneurs, gender equality activists, and women innovators to examinethe ways in which innovation can remove barriers and accelerate progressfor gender equality, encourage investment in gender-responsive socialsystems, and build services and infrastructure that meet the needs of womenand girls. On 8 March 2019, join us as we celebrate a future in whichinnovation and technology creates unprecedented opportunities for women andgirls to play an active role in building more inclusive systems, efficientservices and sustainable infrastructure to accelerate the achievement ofthe SDGs and gender equality.

RSVP for the International Women's Day Commemoration in New York