COPENHAGEN, 8 March 2013 – Marking International Women's Day, senior members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly today called on the OSCE and its participating States to do more to combat discrimination and promote gender equality.

Isabel Santos (Portugal), the Vice-Chair of the OSCE PA's Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions said, "Today we look at the tragically disproportionate representation of women in our parliaments, governments and at all levels of decision-making. In spite of some positive trends in the last few years, some delegations have never included women in the history of our Assembly. I am pleased to take this opportunity today to raise this issue and the need for continued OSCE reform. Bearing in mind that women are disproportionately targeted during economic crisis and in conflict situations, we must recognize that their efforts, concerns and needs are vital to international development, peace and security."

OSCE PA President Riccardo Migliori said, "I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the regrettably few female political leaders in the OSCE area, including those in prison, and I commend them for their courage and hard work."

The idea of celebrating a day of woman emerged in the United States and Europe at the beginning of the 20th century in the context of women's struggle for better conditions of life, work and the right to vote. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the 8 March a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.