The following opinion pieces address issues surrounding International Women’s Day, recognized on March 8.

The Hill: Nigerian Ambassador Ade Adefuye: Remembering International Women’s Day
Ade Adefuye, Nigerian ambassador to the U.S.

“…We cannot forget the barriers that women had to overcome and we must celebrate what women have accomplished throughout our history. It is our duty to remember that everyone must continue to help, mentor and teach future generations of women as they embark upon life’s challenges and obstacles…” (3/8).

Huffington Post: International Women’s Day: The Overlooked and Underemphasized Role of Men in Maternal Health
Naveen Rao, lead of Merck for Mothers

“…[I]f we are to make real strides in reducing maternal deaths, we need all hands on deck — hands of both women and men. The U.N. Women’s ‘He for She’ campaign stresses this truth. I believe it is especially important to highlight the role of men in maternal health. If men value the mother of their children and support her health, we will no doubt see fewer and fewer women suffer fatal complications during childbirth…” (3/7).

Devex: This International Women’s Day, invest in our future
Jill Sheffield, founder and president of Women Deliver

“…This International Women’s Day, while we should honor and appreciate the hard-won battles of advocates of the past, we all have the duty and opportunity to invest in those that will carry the torch after us. It’s time to invest more in girls and women — their health, their rights, their education and their leadership opportunities. We have the evidence that this is not just the right thing to do, but it is the smart thing to do because everyone benefits…” (3/7).