DHAKA: The International Women`s Day is being observed across the country Saturday as elsewhere across the globe with a call to work for gender equality, women`s rights and their empowerment.

The official United Nations theme for International Women`s Day 2014 is "Equality for women is progress for all."

Various organisations, including the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day including rallies, discussions, processions, candlelight and campaigns for women`s rights.

International Women`s Day campaign began by candlelight with the oath of breaking the darkness at Central Shaheed Minar at the first minute on Saturday.

A discussion will be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre Also at 10:00 am Saturday on the occasion of International Women`s Day.

A procession will be brought out from Central Shaheed Minar with the participation of all level of men and women at 3pm. The Department of Women Affairs in collaboration with the local administration, discussions will be held in the districts and upazilas with the participation of people at all levels.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, urged all levels of people to come forward for establishing equality rights of women.

Besides, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a message, said Countries with more gender equality have better economic growth.  Companies with more women leaders perform better.  Peace agreements that include women are more durable.  

Parliaments with more women enact more legislation on key social issues such as health, education, anti-discrimination and child support, he added.

Celebrated by women`s rights activists across the world annually on 8 March, International Women`s Day (IWD) has been marked by the UN since 1975.

BDST: 0932 HRS, MAR 08, 2014