SINN Fein Foyle MLA Elisha McCallion has said women should be celebrating their achievements on this day, International Women’s Day.
The former Mayor of Derry and Strabane said: “This year is the 106th anniversary of International Women’s Day when women all over the world will celebrate the lives of women and their achievements.
“International Women’s Day was first celebrated back in 1911 when women came together worldwide to campaign for better pay, voting rights and an end to discrimination.
“Today it continues to be celebrated by women in Derry and across Ireland, and has become a global day of recognition of women’s contribution to society celebrating the economic, political, social and cultural achievements of women.
“Everyone agrees that women have come a long way since the first International Women’s Day, but unfortunately Gender Inequality is still very much prevalent in Irish society.”
She added: “It is vitally important we encourage more women into politics and participate in the democratic process.
“So in 2017 we need to celebrate who we are, and recognise what we can achieve.”
