Ban Ki-Moon urges governments to commit to gender equality and to give rural women equal access to resources and freedom from discrimination and exploitation.

Declaration follows World Bank announcement that MDG of halving global poverty has been achieved; critics say Chinese progress skewing both results.

MDG-F-funded programme also helping to reduce chronic child malnutrition in indigenous region.

As the world observes International Women’s Day, the MDG-Fund is working around the globe to strengthen women’s voices, increase their economic independence, improve their access to justice and end gender-based violence.