International Women’s Day 2014 was celebrated globally on Saturday under the theme “Inspiring Change” to encourage and glorify the role of women in society.

“Women are an integral part of life. We will not give up until we eliminate gender discrimination,” said Sondos Mohammad, a female Saudi communication manager in Riyadh. “We should stop sexual harassment, acid attacks and inequality among men and women. The Saudi government should increase efforts to end illiteracy rates and allow women to work in any field.”

As part of initiatives to empower women, Saudi Arabia has announced the development of a women-only industrial city. The industrial city will have a medical center, sports center, recreational area, park, government building, shopping center, hotel and gas station.

Maha Abdullah Al-Muneef, a Saudi doctor and Shoura Council adviser, was recently named a “woman of courage” by US first lady Michelle Obama.

The immense range of communication channels, such as social, print and electronic media, equality research, campaigns and corporate responsibility initiatives, is inspiring change in women’s advancement in society.