United Nations, March 8 (RHC)-- "At a time when innovation is dominant, shaping and changing the way people live in every part of the world, we have to be intentional about its use to positively impact the lives of women and girls, said UN Women executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, on the occassion of International Women's Day.

"For those living in poverty, innovation is a key component for development, a basic need and a rights enabler", she said in a statement.

In addition, women and girls should have opportunities to contribute both to the design and implementation of solutions that affect their lives, and are ready to do so, she said.

Thye head of UN Women noted that in order to meet the needs of women and marginalized people, public services, infrastructure and social protection require innovative approaches in order to increase quality and affordability.

According to UN data, 740 million women currently earn their living in the informal economy with limited access to social protection, public services and infrastructure that could increase their productivity and income security.

Women perform 2.6 times more domestic work and unpaid care than men, while globally, only 41 % of mothers with newborn babies receive maternity benefits. Meanwhile, there is a probability that one in three women will face violence throughout their lives.

However, public services, urban planning and transport networks are rarely designed with women's safety and mobility in mind.

“Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change” is the theme of this year's International Women's Day.