NEW YORK - International Women's Day is marked today, 8 March, in Sudan and around the world.

The 2017 theme focuses on "Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030". 

In his message for the day, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, notes that women’s rights are human rights. 

"But in these troubled times, as our world becomes more unpredictable and chaotic, the rights of women and girls are being reduced, restricted and reversed. Empowering women and girls is the only way to protect their rights and make sure they can realize their full potential."

Read the full message.