HeForShe Movement Shaping Attitudes, Policies Favouring Women’s, Girls’ Rights, Secretary-General Says at Event Marking Second Anniversary

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message at the event marking the second anniversary of the HeForShe campaign, in New York today:

Good evening to everyone gathered at this second anniversary of HeForShe!  Thank you all – activists, global leaders, entertainment superstars, business leaders – for making HeForShe a global movement.  I am always proud to tell people that I was the very first HeForShe; the first man to join this campaign for women’s and girls’ rights.

I am proud now to see the movement flourishing.  The men and boys, women and girls working on HeForShe are reaching every corner of the globe.  You are changing attitudes, minds and policies.  You are raising awareness and funds — sometimes in the face of strong opposition.

HeForShe activists are not just part of this movement.  You are this movement.  Keep doing what you have been doing.  I will stand by you all the way.  The time for equal rights has come.  The voices of change are yours and mine.  Thank you, and I wish you a wonderful evening.