Liberal Democrats celebrate International Women's Day

5.01.00am GMT Mon 8th Mar 2010

"I am pleased to add my support to International Women's Day. It is crucial that people are able to come together to celebrate the achievements of women around the world. However this is not a time to just be reflective but also a time to look forwards and work together to stamp out all signs of inequality that threatens to undermine our society."

"As the first woman from the Turkish community to be elected as councillor, I am a strong supporter of International Women's Day, and campaigner for more women in public life. We must join forces and speak out against the continuing evil of so-called 'honour killings', most recently the terrible death of a young Turkish woman, Tulay Goren. Woman across the world continue to suffer. We have a duty to be the voice and the change that will make a difference to their lives."

"I'm delighted to support International Women's Day because I think it's important we remember the struggle of women both past and present to win the right to vote and to stand for election. As a new Mum running for Parliament I still get asked - Why isn't your partner standing instead? How can you do it with a baby? You're not going to breastfeed here are you?  We need to keep on working for equality so that little girls born today enjoy even greater opportunities and are supported in their dreams."

"The fight for women's equality is not finished. And as lucky as I am to work for a party where equality and fairness runs through our very bones, some women do not have the same luxury. As a second generation Ghanaian, I am aware of the shocking poverty women and girls in Africa face on a daily basis. Though I shake my head in despair and give a sum of money each month to a charity, the visceral pain some women still face shakes me to my very core. We must not forget and we must not get complacent. We still have a fight, so lets win it together."

"Taking this day to pause and remember the struggles of women throughout history to seek equal opportunity remains as vital as it always has been. Clara Zetkin's original ideals of pressing for female equality resound as true now as they did nearly one hundred years ago. International Women's Day marks the triumphs of women and girls around the globe and on this day we stand together, looking forward, to improving education, increasing representation and eradicating inequality.”

"I support International Women's Day because I feel that women are still the unsung hero's of modern British society. While things have progressed since my mother's generation - for example there are many more women in work - the pressure on women has also grown exponentially. Women can now be a mum, partner and career woman all at the same time but are often less paid. We should celebrate our achievements but realise there is still a long way to go before true equality. Just take Parliament as an example: 51% of the population represented by 20% of MPs! Shocking. Come on ladies, let's make this election count!"

"I’m delighted to be one of millions of women celebrating International Women’s Day today. Across the world, women boast extraordinary achievements. Despite poverty, we raise families. Despite discrimination, we excel and prosper. Despite pressures to fulfil roles that are defined for us, we can be strong, confident and secure in ourselves. To all young girls, I say one thing - become the woman you want to be."

"I'm supporting International Women's Day because women are the answer to many of the world's problems and investing in women's education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship will change the world."

“How wonderful to have a global day celebrating women, the roles we play in the home and our achievements in society.  May I wish all women the courage of their convictions, and the ability to greet each challenge with a smile!”

"I support International Women's Day to recognise the role of women in society throughout the world and it is essential that their determination be celebrated across the world."