Women's votes are key in Afghanistan, where the Taliban stripped women of equal rights and education.

CNN: Violence, graft overshadow Afghan elections

Education should ensure quality and equity, in accordance with the principles of equal rights, non-discrimination and the universal right to education, so that all citizens can live together in plural and diverse societies.

UNESCO: Quality in educational policy: Research and foresight

Gender equality will exist when both women and men are able to share equally in the distribution of power and knowledge, have equal opportunities, rights and obligations in terms of work or income generation, are given equal access to quality education, capacity building opportunities throughout life and in all domains, and the possibility to develop to their full potential.

UNESCO: International Women's Day 2009-Women Make the News