MEN AND BOYS MUST PLAY THEIR PART IN FIGHT FOR WOMEN’S EQUALITY IN HOMES, SCHOOLS,

WORKPLACES, HALLS OF POWER, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN VIDEO MESSAGE

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the Global Symposium on Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality, in Rio de Janeiro, 29 March:

Ladies and gentlemen,

One year ago, I launched a campaign calling on people and Governments to unite to end violence against women and girls.

Only by working together as men and women can we create more equal and peaceful societies.

In too many countries, women are still not seen as equals in the eye of the law or the minds of men and boys.

No country and no culture has fully escaped this prejudice.

Violence against women is the most obvious and hateful expression.  But it is not the only one.  Inequality exists in the home, in schools, in the workplace and in the halls of power.

But it does not need to be that way.

In Rwanda, women make up more than half of the Parliament.

Across the developing world, more and more girls are enrolling in school.

In Liberia, women are queuing to join the police, inspired by India’s female peacekeepers.

At the United Nations, we too need to set an example.  I have directed my senior managers to seek out and appoint more women.

Around the world we need to make a greater effort.  And men and boys must play their part.

Men must teach each other that real men do not violate or oppress women -- and that a woman’s place is not just in the home or the field, but in schools and offices and boardrooms.

Governments must tell other Governments that institutionalized discrimination has no place in our modern world.

Only by being prepared to stand up for fundamental rights can we expect to achieve lasting change.

In that spirit, I thank you all for your participation in this symposium and wish you every success.

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For information media • not an official record