On 08 March, MINURSO held a military parade at MINURSO HQ in Laayoune on the occasion of International Women's Day in the presence of SRSG and Head of MINURSO Alexander Ivanko, the Deputy Force Commander, Brigadier-General Gabriel Esho, and the Mission’s civilian and military personnel. In his speech, the SRSG highlighted the key role of women in peacekeeping and praised their determination and dedication to excellence. He joined the Secretary General in renewing his commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women.