Women’s Rights Are Human Rights, Says Secretary-General in Message to Peace March

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN-Women, to the Women for Peace march, in New York today:

I am pleased to greet this year’s Women for Peace march.  Thank you for joining hands to empower the world’s women.  This is a crucial cause.

Gender equality is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  Despite progress in the 20 years since the adoption of the Beijing Plan of Action, much more needs to be done.

Many women still risk death while giving life.  Girls and women are subject to violence.  Women earn less than men, and have less access to the corridors of power.

We need to stand together — women and men — to loudly declare that women’s rights are human rights.  I applaud everybody here and all those around the world who advocate for rights, equality and opportunity for women and girls.

An end to injustice and violence will only be achieved by commitment and action at all levels of society.

Women need to be represented and listened to in Government and in the boardroom, during peace negotiations and in times of humanitarian crisis.

I thank everybody who has come out today to sound the alarm, raise your voice and show solidarity for women.  By standing together we can create a world of dignity and opportunity for all.