We can all recognize the anguish of the person who loses wife or mother in childbirth, because of a lack of proper care. Of the teenager whose options in life are suddenly foreclosed because she gets pregnant and drops out of school. Of the woman who has to go on having children even though she knows her health is at risk. Or the refugee who has been raped but is too frightened, or too ashamed, to ask for help. Better understanding of women's issues has brought real change in the daily life of millions of people.
Women now have wider choices, and can make key decisions about their own lives.
Yet there is still much left to do. Too many girls do not have the same chance of education as boys. Too many women still cannot choose when or whether to become pregnant. Too many women are victims of sexual violence, especially during conflict. Too many women resort to abortions that are not safe.