Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the
centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.
centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.
In the world's least developed countries, many of which are at war, women are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications than in developed countries, according to UNICEF. While armed conflicts and other violence affect entire communities, women are particularly at risk of rape and other forms of sexual violence. Because of insecurity or because they have no means of transportation, it is often impossible for women to reach a health-care facility to give birth safely.