(VOVworld) –UN officials from around the world are marking International Women’s Day with calls to “Step It Up” with more resources and greater political action to achieve gender equality by 2030.

The 2016 theme for International Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for  Gender Equality”. (Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said there too many women and girls are denied their basic rights. Ban called for solid funding, courageous advocacy, and unbending political will to achieve gender equality around the world, adding that there is no better investment in our shared future. The theme for this year’s Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it up for gender equality.” The year 2030 is the deadline for the new Sustainable Development Goals, which include targets on achieving gender equality, empowering all women and girls, ensuring inclusive and quality education for all, and promoting lifelong learning.