Quality Data, Universal Measurement Standards on Gender Equality Vital for Progress Secretary-General Stresses at ‘Making Every Women and Girl Count’ Event

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message at the “Making Every Woman and Girl Count” event, in New York today:

I am pleased to send greetings to this important event.  I thank the Government of Australia, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations Foundation and UN-Women for hosting.

Gender equality is central to all the Sustainable Development Goals.  But, currently, 11 of the 14 indicators on gender equality lack adequate data or accepted international standards for measurement.  This limits our ability to track progress.

“Making Every Woman and Girl Count” is a product of strong and imaginative partnerships.  Across 5 years and 12 pilot countries, this initiative will help to improve the production and accessibility of high-quality, gender-sensitive data on inclusion and discrimination.  This, in turn, will give us the tools to empower women and girls.  Elevating half of humanity will lift us all.

I commend UN-Women for “Making Every Woman and Girl Count”.  And I wish you a successful launch.