U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton honored the International Women's Day on Sunday, calling for full equality for women to "create peaceful, thriving communities."
Clinton said in a statement that women's full participation is the key for the international community to combat challenges in the 21st century, since women have a crucial role in tackling major issues such as the global economic crisis, sectarian warfare and terrorism, Xinhua reported.
"Women still comprise the majority of the world's poor, unfed, and unschooled," said the former first lady. "Like all people, women deserve to live free from violence and fear."
She also noted that equality for women and girls is not only "a matter of justice," but "a matter of enhancing global peace, progress, and prosperity for generations to come."