(VOVworld) – Senior 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 in his message for the Day there are many women and girls outraged their basic rights. Ban called on solid funding, courageous advocacy and unbending political will to achieving gender equality around the world, adding that there is no greater investment in the common future. The theme for this year’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 and empowerment of all women and girls, as well as ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning.