UNIFIL joined the rest of the world in observing 2013 International Women's Day which was celebrated on 8 March at the Basel Al Assad Cultural Centre in Tyre, South Lebanon with the "Women of UNIFIL" photo exhibition and a cultural celebration.

The event was focused on the contribution made by women peacekeepers showcased by a photo exhibiting UNIFIL women peacekeepers in their diverse roles and functions.

The photo exhibition is a selection of 20 portraits from 36 photos of the 2013 UNIFIL calendar, "Women of UNIFIL". The photos represent an example of UNIFIL women peacekeepers in their role as platoon commanders, medical officers, sailors, military police, vehicle mechanics, demining team leaders and much more.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Francesco Manca, Deputy Director of Political and Civil Affairs, said: "The pictorial representation of the work of UNIFIL female blue helmets, shows that women peacekeepers have proven that they can perform the same roles in all fields of peacekeeping, to the same standards and under the same difficult conditions, as their male counterparts."

Mr. Manca added "this occasion presents an opportunity to celebrate women's participation and, even more important, move forward towards encouraging greater participation of women."

Lieutenant Jasmine Finger, a sailor with the UNIFIL Maritime Taskforce, who joined the celebration from her base in Cyprus said she was thrilled by the recognition given to women peacekeepers adding that she hopes to get an opportunity to contribute to the Peacekeeping Force in future even after the end of her tour of duty in April.

In addition to the photo exhibit, guests were treated to a cultural celebration featuring a blend of Lebanese traditional food and handicrafts by South Lebanese women belonging to cooperatives and societies in the South.

Entertainment was provided by a musical performance featuring a Lebanese female artist and cultural groups belonging to five UNIFIL contingents: Cambodians, Chinese, Indians, Nepalese and Indonesians.

The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in 1975. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

Increasingly, International Women's Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.