On 8th March, 2006, a message from the Secretary General of the United Nations included the following:
“The international community is finally beginning to understand a fundamental principle: women are every bit as affected as any man by the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century – in economic and social development, as well as in peace and security. Often, they are more affected.
It is, therefore, right and indeed necessary that women should be engaged in the decision-making processes in all areas, with equal strength and in equal numbers.
The world is also starting to grasp that there is no policy more effective in promoting development, health and education than the empowerment of women and girls...
And I would venture that no policy is more important in preventing conflict, or in achieving reconciliation after a conflict has ended.
We do have achievements to celebrate in women’s representation around the world… But we have far, far more to do..."
And at the 2005 World Summit, world leaders declared...
"progress for women is progress for all”.
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