Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. to highlight women's achievements throughout history and across nations.

It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women's Rights . The head of the new U.N. women's agency said there has been ''remarkable progress'' since International Women's Day was first celebrated a century ago but gender equality remains a distant goal because women still suffer widespread discrimination and lack political and economic clout.–AFP & Reuters Photo