Gender equality – We must do better, and we can!

In 1995, the Fourth World Conference
on Women in Beijing

set out a progressive blueprint
for advancing women's rights.

(applause)

But 26 years later,

progress on gender equality,
women's empowerment and health

is too slow and uneven.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also reversed
the progress that was achieved.

We must do much better, and we can.

We must work together
to promote and respect

the rights of women and girls
in all their diversity

by ensuring they have access
to quality, rights-based,

and affordable, comprehensive
sexual and reproductive health services.

We must prevent violence
against women and children

and ensure health systems
can better support and care

for survivors of violence.

(cheering)

We must promote women's leadership
in the health and care workforce

including by ensuring
decent working conditions.

We must stop non-curable diseases,

including by ensuring
that women and girls have the time,

opportunities and resources
to Access nutritious diets

and to engage in activities
that promote their health.

And we must take down
the bias to women's participation

in leadership, in science,
and invest in research

that prioritizes the health and well-being
of all women everywhere.

We must put our heads and hearts together

and work harder and faster
to make women's health

and gender equality a reality for all.

We must do much better, and we can!