On 07 March, MINURSO held a military parade at MINURSO HQ in Laayoune on the occasion of the International Women's Day in the presence of SRSG and Head of MINURSO Alexander Ivanko, Force Commander Major General Md Fakhrul Ahsan (Bangladesh), and the Mission’s civilian and military personnel. The SRSG read the message from the UN Secretary-General highlighting the need for action for “making rights, equality and empowerment a reality for all women and girls”. He also reiterated MINURSO’s commitment to Women Peace and Security Agenda and to gender-responsive peacekeeping.  MINURSO Force Commander called for taking a moment to “recognize and honor the invaluable role of women in our societies and in UN peace operations” while thanking all MINURSO women for their dedication and service.