Donald Trump shared a “presidential message” marking International Women’s Day on Friday, saying his administration wants to “honour” and “celebrate” them – despite the president himself being accused of sexual misconduct by more than 20 women.

“On International Women’s Day, we honour women worldwide for their vital role in shaping and strengthening our communities, families, governments, and businesses,” the message begins. “We celebrate their vision, leadership, and courage, and we reaffirm our commitment to promoting equal opportunity for women everywhere.”

It then mentions the “remarkable women trailblazers in the United States and around the world”, before transitioning to list various initiatives of the Trump administration.

“As my administration continues to support women around the globe, it is also fighting for women in the United States,” the statement claims.

Mr Trump specifically cites statistics pointing to a decrease in women’s unemployment, crediting his administration. While experts have previously acknowledged that more women are currently employed now than in the past, they have said that it is likely more the result of a long-term effect and part of a longer trend that has seen women’s employment increase over decades.

#MeToo movement – In pictures Show all 24 1 /24 #MeToo movement – In pictures #MeToo movement – In pictures 2017 A picture shows the messages "#Me too" and #Balancetonporc ("expose your pig") on the hand of a protester during a gathering against gender-based and sexual violence called by the Effronte-e-s Collective, on the Place de la Republique square in Paris AFP #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 Italian actress Asia Argento (C) and US singer and actress Rose McGowan, who both accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, take part in a march organised by 'Non Una Di Meno' (Me too) movement as part of the International Women's Day in Rome AFP/Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2017 Victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse and their supporters protest during a #MeToo march in Hollywood, California AFP/Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 South Korean women staging a monthly protest against secretly-filmed spycam pornography in Seoul. 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Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were both teens Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 A group describing themselves as #MeToo/#YoTambien survivors, hold a candlelight vigil outside the Mexico Consulate to support the women taking part in the human caravan heading through Mexico to the US border AFP/Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2017 Victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse and their supporters protest during a #MeToo march in Hollywood AFP/Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 South Korean demonstrators hold banners during a rally to mark International Women's Day AFP/Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 Dozens of women and men attend a rally and march in Washington Square Park for international Women's Day in New York Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2017 People carry signs addressing the issue of sexual harassment at a #MeToo rally outside of Trump International Hotel in New York Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2017 Victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse and their supporters protest during a #MeToo march in Hollywood AFP/Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 South Korean demonstrators hold banners during a rally to mark International Women's Day AFP/Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 Dozens of protesters against the confirmation of Republican Supreme court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh gather outside of Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer's office on the afternoon that Professor Christine Blasey Ford testified against Kavanaugh in New York Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 Activists and advocates for survivors of sexual abuse gather in the Federal Building Plaza in Chicago Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 Dozens of women and men attend a rally and march in Washington Square Park Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2017 People carry signs addressing the issue of sexual harassment at a #MeToo rally outside of Trump International Hotel Getty #MeToo movement – In pictures 2018 Activists and advocates for survivors of sexual abuse gather in the Federal Building Plaza to protest the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh Getty

“As we recognise International Women’s Day, we acknowledge that when women are economically empowered they are able to invest more in their families and communities, producing a multiplier effect that spurs economic growth and contributes to global stability,” the presidential message continues.

“We remain vigilant in our pursuit of equality and opportunity so that all women may blaze new trails, pursue their dreams, and reach their full potential.”

The statement comes less than a month after former 2016 campaign staffer Alva Johnson told The Washington Post Mr Trump once kissed her without her consent during a campaign stop in Florida.

That was the latest of a series of sexual misconduct allegations that have been made against Mr Trump, which span two decades. The White House denied Johnson’s allegations to The Washington Post, and Mr Trump has previously denied other accusations of misconduct against him. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has previously called Mr Trump’s accusers liars during a press briefing.

During the 2016 campaign, the president was famously heard on an Access Hollywood tape claiming fame allowed him to “grab women by the p****”. Former Miss Universe Alicia Machado has accused Mr Trump of body-shaming her after her 1996 victory, and of referring to her as “Miss Piggy” and “Miss Housekeeping”.

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Mr Trump’s first wife Ivana Trump once used the word “rape” in reference to an incident between herself and her ex-husband, in a 1993 book. She later said she didn’t meant it in a “criminal” or “literal” way.