MOGADISHU, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations communications group in Somalia on Friday saluted Somali women for their robust contribution to peace-building, reconciliation and the promotion of gender equality in their country.

In a statement issued in Mogadishu to mark the International Women's Day, UN said Somali women have made great strides in the public and political spheres, including a 10 percent increase, from 14 percent to 24 percent, in the representation of women in Parliament since 2016.

"As women within our communities and as UN personnel, we all strive to build a more balanced world that is representative of a variety of perspectives, needs and goals," Filipetto, head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) said.

"I encourage all of you to bring your intelligence, experience and innovation to this challenging task. I especially thank all of my women colleagues for their commitment to advance UN mandates, programs and values. I wholeheartedly commend the women of Somalia for their peace and statebuilding efforts," Filipetto added.

The UN said Friday's commemoration of International Women's Day in Somalia comes at a significant time as the country prepares for one-person, one-vote elections in 2020 that promise to give Somali women a greater say in the conduct of their country's political affairs and the allocation of its resources.

"This is a formidable force that if united, can have a profound impact on the Somali society," said the UN communication group which comprises communications officers affiliated with UNSOS, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia and a number of UN agencies, funds and programs that operate in the country.