International Women's Day

To mark International Women's Day we have grabbed our smart phones and caught up with some of the BBC World News presenters to ask them about the issues that matter to women around the world.

What do they see as the issues affecting women in different parts of the world today?

They cited issues ranging from the discussion in the US around equal work for equal pay, to Japan where it is reported that a shrinking population means women are being encouraged to have more babies, and Pakistan where women face heavy consequences for adultery.

In countries hit by Ebola, many of those who died were women because it often fell to them to take care of those who caught the disease.

As Anne Soy, BBC Bilingual Correspondent, says: "Whenever you talk about conflict or even Ebola, look at how women were affected, they were affected disproportionately."

Education is also a key universal theme with girls around the world fighting and sometimes dying for the right to have an education.

Looking back on their 20-year-old selves what advice would they give themselves?

Katty Kay, presenter of World News America, would have told herself to: "Worry less what people thought of her, be more prepared to rock the boat, be less of a perfectionist."

Others told themselves not to be afraid, to be a real self-starter and make their own fortune.

Several said they would advise their younger selves to travel more and experience the world, meet more people and understand a variety of cultures and political situations. But, most of all, to enjoy the journey.

We asked our presenters to tell us who inspires them and why.

They cited the trailblazing women, prolific in the fields of economics or technology or politics, to the female journalists reporting from hostile and challenging countries, or the women making headway in traditionally male-dominated professions, like the police force and the military.

Zeinab Badawi, presenter of HARDtalk, finds award-winning Ghanaian writer Ama Ata Aidoo inspirational.

"She is a wonderful woman who has great humour, is one of the leading feminists in the continent of Africa, a real trailblazer," she said.

Our presenters also gave us some tips for aspiring female journalists. They advised that budding reporters have to take risks, be passionate, persistent and curious.

Philippa Thomas, a presenter of World News Today, said it is now vital to "be engaged online".

"Increasingly, journalism is about knowing what the audience wants and thinks and is ready to share."

Others advised budding journalists to be prepared to apply for things even when they do not think they are good enough or have enough experience.

To be prepared to put a bit of your personality on the line. Consume every piece of media that you can and don't be afraid to ask the tough questions.

Watch the videos to find out what else they had to say.