When we invest in women and girls, everyone benefits

In her recent opening remarks at the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on Population and Development (29 April 2024), Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency (UNFPA), spoke about the transformational journey that began at the International Conference on Population and Development International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo Thirty years ago. There the cornerstones of sustainable development have been firmly laid through a firm commitment to gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and universal access to sexual and reproductive health as human rights. Dr. Kanem cited remarkable progress in multiple areas that directly impact the quality of life and opportunities for women and girls globally. For example, girls have now achieved parity with boys in primary education and outperformed them in enrollment in tertiary education. There has been a significant decline in maternal mortality rates, and women's representation in government has reached unprecedented levels. These major steps not only represent the fulfillment of the promises made in Cairo, but also underscore the enormous potential that can be unleashed when societies commit to investing in half of humanity. However, despite these gains, the journey is far from complete. Dr. Kanem highlighted persistent challenges such as stagnation in maternal mortality reduction, persistent gender disparities in formal employment, and the rising threat of gender-based violence and femicide. These issues require renewed vigor in our global commitment to the principles established by the International Conference on Population and Development. In light of this, a philosophical perspective on the basic unity of humanity provides further validation of the empowerment of women and girls. When every individual is valued equally and his or her potential is enhanced, the entire fabric of society is strengthened. Investments in women's education, health and rights are not just acts of justice; They are basic requirements for peace and prosperity. This collective progress is best described in the words of a historical figure who once said: “The world of humanity has two wings: male and female. As long as these two wings are not equal in strength, the bird cannot fly.” Until women achieve the same degree of power and glory as men, the new social order will not be able to achieve its full success. As we look forward, let us remember Cairo's enduring promise and the need to maintain our momentum toward a world where no one is left behind – a world where every woman and girl has the independence and resources to shape her own destiny. By investing in women and girls, we are investing in all of humanity, echoing the promise of a united and prosperous future for all. Concluding her speech, Dr. Kanem urged the international community to consider every little girl, every woman, and the collective future they hold in their hands. We must accelerate our efforts and embrace the wisdom that "improving the world can be achieved through pure and good deeds, and through praiseworthy and decent behavior." Let's hear this call to action, and ensure that our investments in women and girls continue to pay dividends for everyone, everywhere.

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