The Foreign Secretary said:

On International Women’s Day we celebrate the progress made around the world on women’s rights.

Women’s rights are fundamental to the success of any society. The crucial role that women have to play in resolving conflict and in rebuilding societies is too often overlooked. Nowhere in the world is this more important than in Syria.

I’m pleased that UK support has enabled the first women army officers to graduate from the Afghanistan National Army Officer academy.

On my visit to Pakistan it was a privilege to meet Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy who was honoured at the Oscars for challenging taboos on so-called honour killings in the country.

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