UNITED NATIONS, March 8 (Xinhuanet) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stressed on Tuesday that promoting gender equality is everyone's responsibility.

    In a message to mark the International Women's Day, Annan said that this year marks a milestone in the movement for gender equality and the advancement of women, with the 10-year review of the Beijing Conference and Platform for Action.

    As a result of the conference, the world has recognized that gender equality is critical to the development and peace of every nation, he said, adding that now, 10 years on, there's been tangible progress on many fronts, and women are not only more aware of their rights but also more able to exercise them.

    He also urged the international community to remember that promoting gender equality is not only women's responsibility, stressing that it is the responsibility of all people.

    In addition, the UN system has marked the day all over the world, from Iraq to Colombia, with various events, he noted.

    "Whatever the very real benefits of investing in women, the most important fact remains: women themselves have the right to live in dignity, in freedom from want and freedom from fear. On this International Women's Day, let us rededicate ourselves to making that a reality," Annan concluded. Enditem