8 March 2012 - To mark the International Women's Day a joint mission composed of United Nations officials and members of Guinea-Bissau's Government today visited two women's driven agricultural projects in the region of Oio, center of Guinea-Bissau to assess their working conditions and how they can be assisted.

Speaking to Mandingara and Infrandre inhabitants, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Joseph Mutaboba recalled the women's empowerment progress worldwide but stated that a lot need to be done such as access to school and education, better access to health care, right to land possession and be free from discriminatory practices which jeopardize their health and freedom.

Finally, he echoed Secretary-General's Women's Day message which urges "Governments, civil society and the private sector to commit to gender equality and the empowerment of women - as a fundamental human right and a force for the benefit of all."

Guinea-Bissau minister for Women, Family, Social Cohesion and Combat against Poverty, Valentina Mendes Djalo stressed rural women's role in helping combat poverty in the country and added that the recently adopted Gender Equity and Equality National Policy will help improve Guinea-Bissau women's situation.

The two agricultural projects employ approximately 120 women and and funded by Brazil, India and South Africa through a South-South program coordinated by UNDP.

The UN delegation, composed of UNFPA, WFP and FAO representatives in Guinea-Bissau as well as UNDP, UNICEF and the resident coordination staff members, also visited the maternity of Mansoa's regional hospital, in the region of Oio.