Marked for the first time in four European countries in 1911, International Women's Day is now celebrated in most countries around the world and has become a critical rallying point to build support for women's rights and participation in public spheres.
The 100th anniversary of International Women's Day will be an important milestone in the pursuit of gender equality and women's empowerment.
The United Nations will mark this centenary with a special event celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the Asian and Pacific region.
"The convergence in 2011 of 100 years of International Women's Day and the birth of UN-Women is a momentous occasion", said UN-Women East and Southeast Asia regional programme director Moni Pizani.
"While International Women's Day over the past years has also highlighted the numerous challenges that still need to be overcome to achieve gender equality, UN-Women will now give women and girls a strong and unified voice in our endeavour to achieve the goals of equality, development and peace for all, everywhere".
A highlight of the commemoration at the UN in Bangkok yesterday was a session on "Voices of Young Women: Envisioning the Future."
It features young women from different sectors of society presenting their thoughts and aspirations in relation to this year's theme: "Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women".
Disha Subramaniam, a 14-year old student taking part in the discussion, commented: "Despite all the issues plaguing our world, I think that being a young women in the 21st century is exciting. Our voices are slowly being heard, things are gradually changing and it's quite a thrilling thought to know that I am a part of it."
