Launch of UN Women
UN Headquarters, New York City
24 February 2011
Tickets to the official and historic launch of UN Women are a prized commodity, by invitation so that as many women's organizations as possible can be assured of having a representative present.
Elevators take us to the fourth floor and a final security check allows us into the UN General Assembly Hall where I am lucky to get a front row centre seat albeit in the balcony. Although far from the podium, the view of the Hall and proceedings is ideal.
Before me is the golden backdrop with the circular UN logo taking place of prominence above the stage that is ready for the dignitaries. Flanking the central backdrop are two large screens portraying a slide show of women from around the world, presiding over their work and activities - in travel agencies, high tech hospitals, fields, market stalls, displaced persons camps, street demonstrations, homes with children, tailoring shops, labs, and classrooms.
The programme guide lists the dignitaries who will participate, and an accompanying brochure outlines the UN Women message:
Hopes are High
Challenges are Manifold
Bold Action is Essential
Results are Achievable
We Are Ready!
At 6:20 pm music begins, and then at 6:30 a security guard gives us evacuation instructions - should such action be necessary!
News anchor Connie Chung gives the opening remarks, before a film is shown of historic moments in the quest for women's equality.
Speakers:
H.E. Mr. Joseph Deiss - President of the General Assembly
Need global partnership where both men and women have a voice.
UN must take a leading role in advancing the gender equality agenda.
UN Women will have the highest position in the UN.
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon - Secretary-General of the United Nations
Thanks the governments who acted with a vision, and "our partners in the NGO community."
Pays honour to Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, as head of UN Women.
"Tonight is a time to celebrate and remember. We did it for the girls who cannot go to school simply because they are girls. We did it for the women who deserve a voice in the boardrooms of nations. We want to change traditions and change mindsets. Women are the ones who can help their countries out of poverty. The UN is investing in women because it is probably one of the smartest things we can ever do.
I will do everything I can to support UN Women with every ounce of my commitment and my time. I will try to raise money too! (Applause from audience) We will stop violence and listen to women and girls and make this happen."
Ms. Michelle Bachelet - Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women
Thanks all for their commitment, hard work and dedication.
Women's Rights are Human Rights! There is a clear co-relation between women's equality and progress including economic advantage. There is no limit to what women can do.
She lists high positions, and asks - Why not for women! We are talking about rights, we are also talking about political and economic advantage.
We need to eliminate violence against women, and the gamut of empowerment for women. Bring men and women together for this empowerment.
Tonight will begin a new era of gender equality and women's rights, because women's rights are human rights.
Ms. Bandana Rana - President, Saathi NGO Nepal
From Nepal and representing GEAR, Ms. Rana speaks of the conflict in Nepal and the emergence from it with the National Action Plan of Nepal on UNSCR 1325, launched at CSW55
GEAR gathered a million signatures supportive of and advocating for the creation of a new Gender Entity. UN Women can be the the answer to the dreams of millions around the world for women's equality.
H.E Ms. U Joy Ogwu - Permanent Representative to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President UN Women Executive Board
Critical mass of women in government yields attention to women's issues. Yet in many societies, few women hold public office. They are excellent negotiators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers.
"Can anyone work fast on one foot? No!" Women are needed. Women must feel empowered and respected to be effective. Empowerment begins at home and in the classroom.
All women in positions of leadership are duty-bound to advance the rights of women. UN Women represents the force for change, in the political, economic and rights areas.
H.R.H. Princess Cristina of Spain - President, Institute for Global Health of Barcelona
Building women's health is essential as are all of the Millennium Development Goals. I have no doubt that under the leadership of Michelle Bachelet Un Women will develop a strategy to make this happen. We need to do better and I am confident that we can do better. We need to translate the issue of women's and children's health to the national and regional levels. We deserve our human rights to be upheld and respected.
Mr. Ted Turner - Founder, UN Foundation
Congratulates the UN for taking the historic step of creating UN Women and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his vision in appointing Michelle Bachelet as its head. Girl Up is helping adolescent girls around the world. We are eager to help Ms. Bachelet in her work.
Ms. Victoria Justice - Girl Up Ambassador
via video
Ms. Nicole Kidman - Academy-Award Winner and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
Via satellite - with message to eliminate Violence Against Women
As Goodwill Ambassador she has recently been in Haiti.
Ms. Geena Davis - Academy-Award Winner and Founder, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in the Media
"The first role I ever play was as a man. Because of my height, I played the father! Gender stereotypes remain in entertainment with no progress in the past two decades. There is one female role for every three male roles. Media images are powerful in shaping views and in sending messages to girls and to boys. Girls need to take up space equal to their numbers. If they see it, they can be it. Improving media is only one small part in helping to empower women and achieving gender equality."
Shakira - Multi-Award Winning Entertainer
(via video)
I am convinced that UN Women and my friend, President Michelle Bachelet, will make a difference around the world.
Ms. Rakhi Sahi - Former Commander, all-female Formed Police Unit, UN Mission in Liberia
The fine work by the peacekeepers was appreciated by the local community. It was an all-women police force and one that I am proud to lead in Liberia. This unit was the first to arrive and the last to leave. We reduced the crime rate and addressed one of the most widespread crimes: rape. Women were more comfortable talking about it to female police officers. We counselled boys from age eight about sexual violence. The unit taught: stop rape and stop violence against women. I am proud to be a UN Woman.
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